Mark Rackley was surprised to see a deep water blue shark in the shallows of the Florida Keys April 13.
The photographer took the rare opportunity to document the encounter.
After he followed the shark for around 300 yards, it became defensive and quickly turned and bit Rackley’s bicep and shoulder.
“I maneuvered to be in front of her to take photos. When I was over her, she swung her head around immediately and clamped onto my shoulder and bicep. It happened before I could blink,” He told KeyesInfoNet..
The bite was painful, but became numb after a few seconds, and even as the event was taking place the 48 year-old thought to himself “what a beautiful shark.”
He dropped his camera and grabbed the shark which immediately let go.
The 48 year-old was taken to the Lower Keys Medical Center where he received 58 stitches and is expected to make a full recovery.
The approximate location has been updated on the 2015 shark bites attack map.
