An 18-year-old surf teacher is recovering within the hospital after a shark bit his foot whereas he was browsing off New Smyrna Seashore on Friday, an space recognized for frequent shark encounters.
The assault occurred whereas Sam Hollis, the surf teacher, was within the water with a camper. The shark dragged Hollis by the foot for 10 to fifteen ft earlier than he was capable of break away. Hollis stays hospitalized after present process surgical procedure, however is predicted to recuperate.
“It felt clamped after which it type of felt sizzling due to the tooth. After which it simply type of began pulling. It’s nearly like, um, a canine with a toy in its mouth going like, you already know, like that,” Hollis recalled. “I used to be kicking at it after I noticed it had me in its mouth. I used to be like, ‘Yeah, get this factor away from me!’”
Hollis mentioned he has been browsing since he was a baby and he now teaches browsing in New Smyrna Seashore. The town holds the unofficial title of “shark chunk capital of the world” as a result of its historical past of frequent however usually non-fatal encounters.
Native seaside security officers report that is the fourth shark chunk in Volusia County in 2025, elevating continued considerations over swimmer and surfer security throughout peak summer season months.
Particulars comparable to the kind of shark concerned, how shortly emergency companies responded, and whether or not the camper he was with witnessed or was impacted by the incident stay unclear. It’s additionally unknown how lengthy his restoration will take or if any long-term results are anticipated.
Regardless of the assault, Hollis mentioned he’ll proceed to surf as soon as he recovers.