Shark attack leaves diver covered in blood; boat captain makes daring rescue

WASHINGTON: A boat captain risked his own life to rescue a diver who was seriously injured in a shark attack off Florida’s Emerald Coast. Captain Jacob Johnson made a daring jump into the sea to save his 40-year-old friend and pull him back onto the boat.

The 40-year-old was diving about 30 miles offshore when the shark attacked him. Johnson initially thought the diver had suffered only a minor injury after hearing him call for help. But when he looked over the side of the boat, he was shocked to see his friend covered in blood.

The diver had suffered severe injuries to both wrists in the attack. He was also unable to climb back onto the boat on his own. Without thinking about his own safety, Johnson immediately jumped into the water, reached the injured diver and pulled him back onto the boat.

Other divers on board quickly provided first aid to control the bleeding. After receiving the alert, a Coast Guard team reached the location and brought the group back to shore. The injured diver was then airlifted to a hospital in Pensacola for treatment.

One of the arteries in the diver’s wrist was seriously damaged in the shark attack. His other wrist required dozens of stitches. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

“I didn’t even have time to think about the danger. I just jumped in immediately,” Johnson said, recalling the incident.

The injured diver has asked that his name not be revealed. Johnson said the man had already undergone one surgery and was recovering.

Despite the frightening incident, members of the group said their love for the sea has not changed. They said they intend to continue diving and spearfishing.