Surfer Describes Horrific Shark Attack Ordeal

Hawaii News NowA Hawaiian surfer has recalled the harrowing moment an 8-foot shark attacked him, tearing flesh off his legs before he bravely battled back to shore. Koa Smith, 38, was surfing off Oahu’s South Shore on May 30 when he suddenly felt himself being pulled from behind. “It really did feel like somebody just came from behind, grabbed my ankle and pulled,” he told Hawaii News Now. When he turned, he saw the predator—which he believes was was a Galapagos shark. The attack left Smith with a deep 10-inch wound on his left calf and a 5-inch gash on his right foot. “The whole side of my [left] calf is pretty much wide open,” he said. Despite the severity of his injuries, Smith broke free, paddled to shore, and crawled onto the sand while calling for help. Bystanders rushed to assist and contacted emergency services. He has since undergone multiple surgeries at The Queen’s Medical Center and is expected to recover. Officials confirmed two aggressive 8-foot sharks were seen in the area on the day of the attack and have warned people to stay out of the water until further notice.Read it at The New York PostRead more at The Daily Beast.