Sheriff: Spearfisherman airlifted after apparent shark bite off Florida Keys

ISLAMORADA, Fla. – Medics airlifted a man to a Miami-Dade hospital after a shark reportedly bit him as he was spearfishing off the Florida Keys Friday, according to sheriff’s officials.

According to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Adam Linhardt, the 22-year-old had been spearfishing near Davis Reef, off the coast of Islamorada, at around 11:30 a.m. when a shark apparently bit him in the ankle or foot.

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U.S. Coast Guard crews responded and transported the man ashore to the agency’s Islamorada station, he said.

Islamorada Fire Rescue medics then took the fisherman to a nearby park where he was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center.

Authorities didn’t release the man’s name as of Friday evening.


About the Author:

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.