NBC’s Today show has been fairly prolific with shark-related features over the past few weeks. The show recently interviewed C.J. Wickersham, a 21-year-old spearfisherman who was bitten by a 9′ bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) off Florida’s Anna Maria Island last month.
Wickersham’s friend Connor Bystrum witnessed the bite and immediately jumped in to assist him back to the boat. Once Wickersham was aboard the boat his friends used a rope as a tourniquet. Wickersham was rushed to shore where paramedics were waiting thanks to 911 call from another of his friends on the boat.
Wickersham’s injuries required multiple surgical procedures at St. Petersburg’s Bayfront Medical Center, according to the Anna Maria Islander. He was released from the trauma center after 6 days and is expected to fully recover.