“Do Not Let Me Die”: Horrifying Shark Attack Proves Near-Fatal for 32-Year-Old Man, Surfing at a Banned Destination

While surfing induces an adrenaline rush within the wave chasers, it also poses many dangers to its pursuers. Be it a shark attack or a surfing mishap with whetted reefs, the salty reverie harbors every peril within its infinity. Similarly, a Brazilian surfer recently fell prey to the shark’s clutches while chasing waves at a banned surfing destination.

Praia dos Milagres in the Olinda region of Brazil is famous for its mild weather and rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, Milagres beach is infamous for the vicious man-eating predators it harbors in its turquoise water. Nevertheless, activities like surfing and swimming have been prohibited in Milagres since 1999. However, 32-year-old Andre Gomes defied the warning and went to chase the big waves. What happened next is an unprecedented sight of bloody waters and a cry for help. 

Surfing in banned destination proved near-fatal for Andre Gomes

As per the report of News Times UK, on 21st February 2023, Gomes was catching some waves in Pernambuco, when he got bit by a shark. The beast attacked the surfer’s left thigh and calf and lacerated him fiercely. However, Brazilian samaritans reached out to help the surfer by grabbing him by the waist and escorting him to the safe embrace of the shore. But the story didn’t end there. 

While the convoy of samaritans was taking him to the beach, the injured surfer was pleading in pain, “God, Jesus, do not let me die.” Soon after he reached the shore, he was immediately taken to the hospital. Gomes then underwent surgery because of the vicious wounds on his leg. More so, the doctors even claimed, “it was a shark bite. Very deep. It affects muscles and vessels.” But did Gomes make it out safely?

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To everyone’s relief, the doctors announced, “Any longer, he could have died. The important thing is that we get him in a stable condition.” As per a beach employee, despite a ban on surfing, Gomes is a frequent visitor at Pernambuco. However, the 32-year-old is not the only shark attack victim in Brazilian waters. As per the University of Florida’s Annual International Shark Attack File (ISAF), Brazil stands in 4th position with the number of shark attacks in the country.

There have been at least 74 shark attacks in Pernambuco since 1992. However, it took seven more years for the authorities to ban surfing in Milagres. While some follow norms religiously, some defy them and become prey to the ocean’s beast. Gomes is among the lucky few who survived such a life-threatening attack.

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