Diver bitten by bull shark off Riviera Beach

Victim taken to St. Mary's Medical Center

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. – A diver was bitten by a shark Wednesday afternoon off Riviera Beach.

Riviera Beach Fire Rescue was called to the Sailfish Marina after the victim was bitten by a 7-foot bull shark. The victim had "significant wounds to the arm," Riviera Beach Fire Rescue said.

According to Fire Rescue officials, the victim was diving in about 60 feet of water when he was attacked by the shark.

"He got ripped on his arm, right here," witness Bernard Weinburg said. "Arm was all mangled up and they took him off the boat and put him on a stretcher. ... They taped him up and they shipped him out."

The victim, known by his friends as "Big Bonita," was pulled onto a boat, dropped off at Sailfish Marina and then taken by paramedics to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Witnesses like Kai Survance saw the diver being rushed in from sea after receiving multiple bites.

"You could see the blood on the gunnel and everything," Survance said. 

It's unclear what the diver was doing just before the shark attacked. Those familiar with the area said there are plenty of bull sharks and many divers go searching for them.

"They get crazy out there and it's bound to happen at some point," Survance said.

"This is why you don't touch sharks private parts people!" a friend of the victim wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of the victim's injury. "Big Bonita getting fixed up and we will head out and settle the score! #sharkslovebonita #Florida."

The victim's condition was not immediately released.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.