| Date of attack: | May 19th 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Off San Pedro, Ambergris Cay |
| Shark species: | 5' shark |
| Name of victim: | Brian Bradley |
| Sex of victim: | M |
| Activity: | Spearfishing |
| Injury: | Right hand and forearm bitten PROVOKED INCIDENT |
Spearfisherman Injured in Shark Encounter Near Turneffe, Belize
On May 19, 2022, Brian Bradley was spearfishing with a group near Turneffe, Belize, when he was bitten on the right hand and forearm by a shark. According to his fishing partner, Francisco Morales, the five-foot shark attacked as Bradley was retrieving a grouper from a distance away from their kayak. Morales attempted to deter the shark with his speargun but missed, and a struggle ensued before he was able to get Bradley back to the kayak with the help of Bradley’s brother, Roy.
The boat captain rushed Bradley to the San Pedro Health Center, where he was treated by Dr. Otto Rodriguez. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City for further medical care.
The species of shark involved was not confirmed, but it was estimated to be around five feet long. The incident highlights the potential risks of spearfishing, as sharks are often attracted to struggling fish.
