A swimmer in California is recovering from a white shark attack, while a snorkeler in Turks and Caicos is recovering after losing his leg to a shark.
In California, Caleb Adams, 46, was on a regular swim on June 2 with his North County Ocean Swimmers Group. Unfortunately, the water was murky from a red tide. Around 9 a.m., he was about 100 yards off the shore at the 17th Street Beach Safety Center in Del Mar when he was attacked by a white shark.
According to witnesses, Adams was prone in the water when the shark grabbed his chest area. Adams punched the shark with his left hand, which caught one of the shark’s teeth, causing a deep wound to his lower hand and wrist area.
Members of the group, along with a surfer, quickly came to his aid and helped Adams to shore. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance in critical condition. The latest reports indicate that Adams has survived several surgeries and is on the mend.
This is the second shark attack the group has faced.
Lyn Jutronich, 50, was taking her normal swim on November 4, 2022, off the coast of Del Mar in San Diego County when she was bitten. Nearing the end of her swim, Jutronich was resting with her swim partner when something slammed into her. She was hit hard between her legs, which pushed her up and out of the water. The shark shook her once and let go.
Jutronich and her swim partner were assisted back to shore, where lifeguards confirmed no arteries were severed.
A man lost his leg to a shark in Turks and Caicos.
Louis Arsenault, 27, was snorkeling off the Leeward Cut on the eastern side of Providenciales on May 23.
The professional kiteboarder from Prince Edward Island posted a photo from a hospital bed showing his right leg missing.
“Life can sure be fragile. Despite the terrible situation, I am incredibly lucky to be still here. The incident involved a shark attack while casually snorkeling with family and friends. Without going into details, it was a shocking experience. I cannot express how lucky I am to be here”, he posted on social media.
“This will present new challenges for me, but I am incredibly positive and thankful to be here doing well to continue living my life to the fullest.”
He continued to say he will adapt and overcome.
The attack comes a day short of the one-year anniversary of another shark attack on the same island.
Alexandra Truwit, 22, was snorkeling with her friend when a shark became aggressive. The two attempted to fight off the shark, but it eventually bit Truwit’s foot, severing it at the ankle.
The duo, who were on the college swim team, were able to swim the roughly 50 to 75 yards back to the boat. Once onboard, they applied a tourniquet. Unfortunately, after multiple surgeries for infection, doctors amputated Truwit’s leg below the knee.
The event hasn’t kept her from swimming as she continues to participate as a para-athlete. However, she is understandably hesitant about swimming in open water.
All locations have been marked on the 2024 Shark Attack Map.
