Marlin Wakeman, a 24-year-old deckhand, was attacked by two reef sharks in the Bahamas after slipping off a fishing dock. The incident occurred at the Flying Fish Marina, known for attracting sharks due to the fishermen regularly throwing fish scraps into the water. Despite being in the midst of multiple sharks, Wakeman was able to react quickly and save himself, attributing his survival to his experience and knowledge of shark behavior. Thanks to his quick actions and the help of those around him, he was able to escape with only minor injuries.
Wakeman recounted the terrifying experience of being in the water with numerous sharks, explaining that the creatures were attracted by the sound of something hitting the water, making them prone to biting anything that falls in. He only spent a brief moment in the water after falling off the dock but was bitten by sharks during that time. Thanks to a combination of his own quick thinking, the assistance of the boat’s captain, and timely medical care, Wakeman was able to survive the attack and avoid severe injury.
The deckhand’s surgeon, Dr. Robert Borrego, highlighted the seriousness of the incident, noting that the shark’s bite narrowly missed a femoral artery which could have resulted in fatal bleeding. Despite the close call, Wakeman is expected to make a full recovery, although he currently struggles with knee movement due to the injuries sustained during the attack. He credits the expedient and knowledgeable medical care for his quick recovery and emphasizes the importance of understanding shark behavior in treating shark bite injuries.
Despite his harrowing experience, Wakeman remains resolute in his love for the ocean and his belief that people should not let fear of sharks deter them from enjoying water activities. He urges caution and respect for these creatures while advocating for simple measures to prevent shark encounters, such as relocating fish scraps and filleting tables away from the water. While acknowledging that the incident was a result of human error, he emphasizes the need for safety measures to be put in place to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Wakeman’s experience serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by sharks and the importance of understanding and respecting these apex predators. Despite the traumatic encounter, he remains steadfast in his commitment to continue working and enjoying activities in the ocean, urging others not to let fear of sharks prevent them from experiencing the wonders of the underwater world. Through his story, Wakeman hopes to raise awareness about shark behavior and the need for responsible practices to protect both humans and marine life in shared environments like marinas and fishing docks.
