Fernandina Beach Police Department
Press Release
Submitted by Lieutenant Jack Bradley
September 20, 2015 9:16 p.m.
Editor’s Note: Cathy Bitner, mother of shark attack victim submitted the following comment on a previous post. “It was my 12 year old son who was attacked. Bit twice, he grabbed the shark by the fin and punched it in the face to make it release him. We are at UFShands in Jacksonville.”
On 09/20/2015 at approximately 1228hrs Officers of the Fernandina Beach Police Department were dispatched to a possible shark bite at Beach Access 9. (Jasmine Street)
A 12 year old had been wading in waist deep water when he felt something “bite” around his knee. He saw a shark and started “punching it” away from him. The shark made another bite and then disengaged due to the actions on the part of the victim.
Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue was on scene with the victim (12 years old) who was being treated for open lacerations. The victim suffered what are being called “significant” injuries to his right leg around his knee cap.
After speaking with the parents, it was determined that the victim walking in 2-3 ft deep water towards them when they heard him screaming “shark” and yelling for help. The father, identified as Joshua Bitner stated he saw a 4ft shark with a black tip on its dorsal fin thrashing in the water around his son.
The victim was pulled to safety out of the water by beach goers.
Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue advised that at last report the victim was in stable condition.
FBFR transported to UF Shands in Jacksonville, Florida for further treatment.
Prayers for a quick and complete healing.