Ethan Wilder: Spear fisherman was bitten by shark on lower leg while swimming in Upper Florida Keys
KEY WEST, FLORIDA: A spear fisherman, Ethan Wilder, 22, was bitten by a shark on the lower leg while swimming in the Florida Keys on May 6. According to Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, Adam Linhardt, the incident happened at around 11.30 am while Wilder was spearfishing in the Upper Florida Keys near Islamorada. After a successful fish spearing, Wilder "came face to face" with the predator, resulting in the shark bite. The extent of his injuries is unknown.
After the shark attack, the US Coast Guard emergency personnel arrived at the Davis Reef area to rescue Ethan. He was then taken to a nearby park by medical personnel from Islamorada Fire Rescue. From there, he was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center in Miami for medical treatment, as reported by the Miami Herald.
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'He thought that the shark had just bit the fish'
Ethan had been spearfishing with his friend when the attack happened. “I and my buddy were out spearfishing, and I just speared a fish, and I swam back up to the surface with them,” Ethan told 7 News. He added, “I had it in my left hand, and I was about to swim back to the boat, and then a shark came from behind me and got my leg.”
His partner kept watching from the distance considering that the shark had bit the fish. “Well, he was watching from the boat, and he thought that the shark had just bit the fish,” said Wilder. “He didn’t realize he got me until I got to the boat.” However, Ethan kept his cool and did what he was supposed to do which was call the Coast Guard. Ethan has also served as a Coast Guard member for two years which likely helped him to keep his senses calm.
'I just grabbed my phone, called the Coast Guard'
“We were pretty cool. I told him to pull the anchor, and he went up there and grabbed the anchor, and he helped me climb up on the boat,” he said, “and I just grabbed my phone, called the Coast Guard, and then started hauling tail back towards the station.” Wilder as per the outlet underwent surgery. He was then freed, and in a few weeks, he's anticipated to recover fully. He is stated to be in a stable condition.