A man who suffered a shark bite while fishing was rescued from the “truly terrifying” situation by the local coast guard.
The man, 51, whose name has not been reported, was bitten by a shark while fishing near the district of Bimini in The Bahamas on Monday.
The US Coast Guard 7th District Southeast said in a statement yesterday: "The Coast Guard rescued a 51-year-old man, Monday, after he was bitten by a shark while fishing aboard a vessel near Bimini, Bahamas.
"A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and crew arrived on the scene, hoisted the man and transferred him to awaiting emergency medical technicians at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami reportedly in stable condition.
"An Air Station Miami HC-144 plane and crew assisted with communications efforts with the Dolphin aircrew.
"The motor vessel Shear Water crew contacted Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders at approximately 12:50 p.m., reporting a man aboard who had been bitten by a shark while fishing.
"A tourniquet had been placed on the man's arm to prevent further blood loss."
The Coast Guard added: "Sector Miami watchstanders, Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders and a District Seven duty flight surgeon conducted a conference call, recommended a medical evacuation and directed the launch of an Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and an Air Station Miami HC-144 plane crew to the scene."
Coast Guard District Seven command duty officer Sean Connett said: "This was the best possible outcome to a truly terrifying situation.
"This individual was fortunate a fellow crew member was able to render aid prior to the Coast Guard's arrival which allowed for a quick extraction from the vessel."
