“Gouging Its Eye”: Florida Teen Mauled in a Shark-Attack Reveals Her Gut-Wrenching Tale in a Documentary

Along with the adrenaline rush it renders to its pursuers, the deep blue ocean also harbors a multitude of dangers in its infinity. Nevertheless, the one ferocity that tops the list is shark attacks and Florida reports the highest number of such cases in the US each year. Along similar lines, last year, a 17-year-old teenager was mauled by a shark in Florida. A year later, she recalled her terrible ordeal and the heroics of her half-brother.

Addison Bethea, a now 18-year-old from Florida, found herself face-to-face with a menacing 2.7m bull shark while hunting for scallops with her half-brother Rhett. Recounting the terrifying tidbits in a powerful BBC documentary titled ‘Why Sharks Attack’, Addison revealed the gripping moments of the attack, which occurred just last July.

Addison Bethea’s terrifying shark attack

Bethea’s attack was reported about a mile-and-a-half off the coast of Keaton Beach near Grassy Island in Taylor County, Florida. Talking on the BBC documentary, ‘Why Sharks Attack’, Bethea explained how she was only in 5ft deep water looking for scallops. She vividly describes the shock of feeling something grab her and initially mistaking it for her half-brother.

However, the reality of the situation quickly became apparent as the shark’s relentless grip tightened. The next was the unprecedented sight of bloody waters and a plea for help. According to a 9News report, Bethea said, “It started biting into my right thigh and I was gouging its eye to get it off me and then it started swimming away with me still in its mouth.” Luckily for Bethea, her half-brother was around.

Rhett, a 23-year-old firefighter, immediately sprang into action upon hearing his sister’s cries for help. Fearlessly, he punched and kicked the creature, determined to release Bethea from its jaws. His swift actions paid off, allowing him to drag Bethea back to their small boat. Moments later, they were rescued by a larger vessel that had spotted their distress. Following the attack, Bethea underwent emergency surgery at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Tragically, her right leg had to be amputated above the knee. However, the brave young woman embraced her prosthetic leg and relearned how to walk.

Last year, Florida witnessed 16 shark attacks, a stark reminder of the wild and unpredictable nature of the ocean. Halfway into this year and the Sunshine State has already seen 13 shark attacks already.

Florida reports the most shark attacks stateside

Just this year alone, 46 shark attacks have been reported worldwide and these numbers are only till the 17th of July. This means almost halfway more to go in the year. Zooming in on the United States, where shark encounters are a matter of concern, the figures reveal a total of 25 incidents. Florida, with its allure of azure waters, sandy shores, and vibrant marine life, has experienced thirteen of these encounters. With the most attacks happening in Key West, Florida Keys, and New Smyrna Beach.

Read more: “Screaming at the Top of Her Lungs”: 12-Year-Old Shares Her Harrowing Tale as Shark Attacks Take Florida by Storm

Despite the terrifying incident, Bethea’s spirit remains unbroken. She recently graduated from high school and continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering courage. Her story is one of overpowering nature’s adversity through resilience and the help of her family.

Watch this story: VIDEO: Bizarre Holiday Scenes As The Undertaker Comes Face-to-Face With a Stalking Shark