'He grabbed my knee': Fisherman recalls being attacked by shark
A fisherman is recovering after being attacked by a shark in the Florida panhandle, according to the survivor and local officials.
The incident took place on Aug. 2 in waters off the northwest city of Pensacola. Naval Air Station Pensacola responded to the rescue, Escambia County Fire Rescue confirmed to USA TODAY.
"It was just after noon," Chance Armand told USA TODAY, as he recalled his attack involving an 8-foot-long shark while spearfishing about 20 miles offshore of Pensacola Pass. "He grabbed my knee then let go and grabbed the fish off of my shaft. It 100% was going for the fish I had shot."
Armand, 28, of Milton, said after the shark bit him, his friends pulled him into a boat and applied a tourniquet to his leg before Santa Rosa EMS transported him to a hospital to be treated for the injury.
"Spicy Bull shark decided he wanted my fish too on my way up from a dive today," Armand posted on Facebook after the incident. "Couldn't have asked for better people to help me out in the moment. Love what we do but definitely a reminder to soak up every moment with your family and friends because a routine day can be your last."
United States shark attacks: See which states had them so far in 2025
How many shark attacks have been reported in Florida this year?
In addition to Armand's incident, as of Tuesday, Aug. 12, there had been seven other reported shark attacks in The Sunshine State.
According to trackingsharks.com, the most recent reported attack took place on July 22 about 660 miles southeast in Hollywood. About 3 p.m. that day, a Canadian tourist was injured and hospitalized after a shark bit him. The man was in chest-deep water with a friend when a fish jumped over his head and a shark immediately attacked him, Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety reported.
How many people die from shark attacks every year?
According to data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), run by the Florida Museum of Natural History, the world averages 65 documented shark attacks annually.
On average, six fatal attacks are reported each year, data shows.
Last year, 47 people were bitten in unprovoked attacks.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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