Shark Conservationist Recounts Terrifying Attack Off Palm Beach

Shark Attack Survivor's Account

• 🦈 Jeff Joel, a shark conservation activist, recounts his terrifying experience of being bitten by a lemon shark off the coast of Palm Beach County.
• 💡 Joel was diving about four miles from the Jupiter Inlet when he encountered a lemon shark entangled in a fishing net.
• 🛠️ His initial instinct, as a conservationist, was to free the trapped shark.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

• 💥 After freeing the shark's head from the net, it thrashed and bit Joel on the forearm, just above his wrist.
• 🩹 Joel sustained deep gashes but was fortunate that no tendons or nerves were damaged.
• ⚠️ He described the pain as an 'eight' on Saturday night, but it significantly subsided by Sunday.
• 🩸 At St. Mary's Medical Center, Joel received approximately 40 stitches for his wound.

Quick Thinking and Medical Response

• ✅ Doctors credited Joel for applying a tourniquet to his wound immediately after the bite, stating it likely made a critical difference.
• 🤝 The incident occurred shortly before the first-ever Sharkbite Survivors Reunion, hosted at St. Mary's Medical Center, where survivors could connect with first responders and medical staff.
• 🎗️ Joel was one of several survivors present at the reunion to share their experiences.