A man from Florida is on the path to recovery after suffering a shark bite, which occurred at the same beach where he faced a similar incident over ten years ago.
Cole Taschman, aged 28, was engaging in surfing activities with friends at Bathtub Beach in Stuart, located on the eastern coastline of Florida, when the attack took place last Friday afternoon, as reported by local news sources.
While paddling against the current with his feet resting on the board, Taschman was taken by surprise when a large shark—estimated to be around 8 to 9 feet in length, possibly a bull or tiger shark—approached from behind and attacked his feet.
“As I was paddling, I felt a sudden snatch at my feet,” he recounted. The incident resulted in the complete tearing of three tendons, and one tendon was partially torn. After undergoing two surgeries, Taschman has endured 93 stitches and approximately a dozen staples as a result of the treatment. He spent four days in the hospital before being discharged to continue his recovery at home, although he may require another surgical procedure in the future.
Interestingly, this is not Taschman’s first encounter with shark bites. At the age of 16, he experienced a similar situation when a blacktip reef shark bit his hand while surfing at the very same beach. “It’s the same beach, same exact rock, same place, same reef—all of it is identical,” Taschman reflected on the striking resemblance between the two incidents.
In light of his injuries and the medical expenses that follow, Taschman’s girlfriend has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the financial burden. Additionally, Ohana Surf Shop in Stuart is participating in the effort by hosting a raffle for a surfboard or a fishing charter trip, with all proceeds being directed to help Taschman in his recovery.