A Florida man who was attacked by a seven-foot shark while fishing in shallow waters near Key West on Aug. 23 credits the swift actions of nearby boaters with medical expertise for saving his life. Dave Daniel, 43, was in the water when he spotted the shark, which he believes was a nurse shark between six and seven feet long. He attempted to move away, but the animal "beelined" toward him, latching onto his legs.
"I looked down in the water and there was so much blood in the water," Daniel recalled to NBC News. He described the immediate aftermath as a grim realization that he might not survive, thinking, "there’s no way you’re getting off this beach, bud."
Daniel stated he was making peace with his situation when two boaters, identified as medical staff, arrived on the scene. "If it weren’t for them, I would 100% be dead on the beach," Daniel told WSVN, emphasizing his gratitude that they were "medically-trained people and nurses and EMTs."
One of the boaters, Courtney McMurrary, a trained nurse, told NBC she happened to be in the "right place [at the] right time." The boaters provided immediate aid while awaiting the U.S. Coast Guard, who airlifted Daniel to a Miami hospital. He has since undergone two surgeries.
The exterminator was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday but is currently unable to move around much due to his injuries. He described his recovery as expected to take months, including physical therapy and time off work. Despite the ordeal, Daniel expressed humility and thankfulness, noting how the experience has reinforced the value of every minute. He stated he does not anticipate returning to the water any time soon.