An Oklahoma teen and her family are speaking out after the 19-year-old was attacked by a shark last month in Galveston, Texas.
Damiana Humphrey, 19, told “Good Morning America” she was wading in the water about waist-deep when a 4 to 5-foot shark latched onto her hand.
She says she started punching the shark until she was freed.
“When I finally saw my hand, that’s when I started freaking out,” she told “GMA.”
In this undated file photo, a bull shark swims off the coast of Florida.
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Humphrey’s father, Troy, also spoke to “GMA.” “I noticed that she had her hand held up and that it was bleeding down her arm,” he said.
The teen was rushed to the hospital, where she had surgery on her hand.
“I severed four tendons. And then I basically had a big hole on the top of my hand that they had to sew together,” she said.
“That shark was looking for food for prey, and in murky water, all they see is a flash of movement, and so that shark came in to investigate, and this was just a case of mistaken identity,” Dr. Kelsey Banks, a research scientist at the Harte Research Institute, told “GMA.”
Galveston Island Beach in Texas is shown in this undated file photo.
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With summer approaching, several shark attacks have recently made headlines across the U.S. Three swimmers, including two teens, were attacked by sharks in two separate incidents while they were at beaches in Walton County, Florida, on Friday.
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In Hawaii, a 25-year-old woman was taken to a hospital following a shark bite incident off Oahu’s North Shore on Friday at around 2 p.m. local time, the Honolulu Emergency Services reported.
“EMS responded to the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor where the patient had been brought ashore. EMS treated her for multiple serious lacerations before transporting her to an emergency room,” the agency stated.
A 46-year-old man was left with “significant” injuries after being bit by a shark in Southern California earlier this month, officials said.
While experts and officials advised beachgoers to take precautions, including avoiding swimming at dusk or dawn, Damiana Humphrey said the shark attack hasn’t stopped her from getting back in the water.
A young woman in Texas recently shared her harrowing experience of surviving a shark attack at just 19 years old. The incident occurred while she was enjoying a day at the beach with friends, when suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her leg and realized she was being attacked by a shark.
Despite the terrifying situation, the young woman managed to stay calm and remember the advice she had heard about what to do in the event of a shark attack. She fought back against the shark, punching it in the nose and trying to protect herself as best as she could. Eventually, the shark released its grip and swam away, leaving her with a deep wound on her leg.
Fortunately, bystanders quickly came to her aid and helped her out of the water. She was rushed to the hospital where she underwent surgery to repair the damage done by the shark. Despite the physical and emotional trauma she endured, the young woman is grateful to be alive and is determined to not let the attack define her.
Shark attacks are rare occurrences, but they can happen anywhere, even in places like Texas where they are not as common. Experts recommend taking precautions when swimming in areas known for shark activity, such as avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active, not wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing that could attract sharks, and staying in groups rather than swimming alone.
The survivor of the shark attack in Texas hopes that sharing her story will raise awareness about the dangers of shark encounters and inspire others to be prepared in case they ever find themselves in a similar situation. She also wants to remind people that despite the risks, it’s important to continue enjoying outdoor activities and not let fear hold them back.
In conclusion, the young woman’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of staying vigilant when enjoying activities in the great outdoors. By staying informed and prepared, we can reduce the risks of encountering dangerous situations like shark attacks and continue to enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings.
