“Hand Went Right to the Gills”: Fighting Against Terrifying 8-Foot Tiger Shark, Surfer Opens Up After Losing a Foot

The island of Oahu in Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a haven for surfers and water enthusiasts. However, recently, the island witnessed a display of incredible courage from a local surfer who survived a terrifying shark attack. Mike Morita, a surfer, displayed incredible courage and bravery when he fought back against an 8-foot tiger shark that had bitten his leg while he was surfing. Despite being in excruciating pain and facing an extremely dangerous situation, Morita, with his quick wit and help from friends made it out alive from the mishap.

The recent incident has grabbed the limelight from the surfing community all around the world. 

Surfer displayed immense courage

On a typical day on the island of Oahu, Morita was surfing with friends when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his right leg. He initially thought it to be a seal, only to look down and see a massive tiger shark clamped down on his leg. “I just felt the pressure and the strength of it,” he recalled. But, rather than panicking or freezing in fear, Morita made the quick decision to fight back. 

Morita began hitting the shark with his fist, repeatedly punching it. However, that force wasn’t enough to get free from the jaws of the beast. As the shark kept dragging him inside the water, he immediately wrapped his other leg around it and started squeezing. “My hand went right to the gills and as soon as I got to the gills, they released me,” he told Today.com. This aggressive response caused the shark to release its grip on his leg. Explaining his leg condition, he added, “I looked back and I saw how bad my leg was. From my ankle to like halfway to my knee, there was no meat, it was only the bone.” Morita did come out of the water but lost his right foot.

READ MORE: Chilling Operation Shows Aircrew Rescuing Stranded Surfer Stuck on Rocks in Horrifying Conditions

Morita’s friends immediately came to the rescue and took him to the shore. He was rushed to the hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries which included several deep lacerations to his leg. Doctors praised Morita’s quick thinking and aggressive response, as it likely saved his life. Morita later shared that he had trusted his instincts and thanked his friends for helping him out in that situation. However, shark attacks have been on the rise in recent times. 

Surfing turning into a nightmare as the cases are on the rise

In the past 12 months, there have been five shark attacks in Key West and the surrounding area. A talented kite surfer and boat captain recently suffered a shark attack while kite surfing. The 67-year-old had to be transported to the hospital because his experience was unable to protect him from the brutal shark bite. He was later taken to the Jackson South Medical Center in Kendall by the Monroe County helicopter ambulance.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of shark safety and awareness. It is important for surfers and swimmers to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid encounters with sharks.

WATCH THIS STORY: “Most Terrifying Things” 29-Year-Old Recalls a Life-Threatening Shark Attack Experience From 2016