Birthday Fishing Trip Turns Chaotic for Florida Man
What was meant to be a fun birthday fishing trip in Cayo Costa, Florida, took a shocking turn when a man was attacked by a shark he had just helped pull from the water.
Shawn Meuse and his friends had caught a lemon shark late on Saturday, but their celebratory photos ended in pain and panic.
Shark Attack Caught on Camera
A viral video shows the heart-stopping moment the shark lashed out.
As Meuse held the shark’s head and a friend grabbed its tail, the predator spun around and bit Meuse’s leg.
His screams echoed across the beach while friends panicked, some shouting, “Oh my god, oh my god!” The shark thrashed violently in the incoming waves, leaving Meuse sitting on the sand with blood covering his leg.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Emergency crews arrived just before 11 PM, according to the Boca Grande fire chief.
Meuse was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical for further care.
He later told ABC News, “You don’t know what a wild animal is going to do… we’re in his territory during this.”
Despite the scare, he remained relatively lucky, avoiding a more serious injury.
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
The incident quickly went viral, drawing criticism on social media.
Many users admonished Meuse for handling the shark, warning, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” and suggesting he should have returned it to the water instead of posing for photos.
Others noted the danger inherent in interacting with wild animals, acknowledging he was fortunate to avoid losing his leg.
Legal and Conservation Concerns
Meuse admitted he hadn’t caught the shark himself and didn’t have a permit, claiming he merely removed it from the hook.
Lemon sharks are a protected species in Florida, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes only a few non-fatal bites have been reported.
Naturalist Rob Howell commented, “That shark wanted to get back to the water… it was in pain and scared.
People often don’t give these animals the respect they deserve.”
Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
Despite the frightening encounter, Meuse considered himself lucky.
He was scheduled for surgery on his leg on Tuesday and reflected on the narrow escape, saying, “If it was a few inches one way, I might not be here.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is now investigating the incident, highlighting both safety and conservation concerns for interactions with protected marine life.
