Shark Attacks Local Surfer Near Ensenada
Mexican Doctors Repair Injured Foot
SAN DIEGO -- A local surfer is recovering from a shark attack that occurred Friday evening just north of Ensenada, 10News reported.
Tim Fabel (pictured, left) was paddling out on his board when the shark bit him on the foot.
"I felt a really sharp pain, I guess a jolt, to my left foot. I looked down into the water saw a large shadow swim underneath my board," Fabel said.
Fabel never got a good look at the shark and was unsure how long, or what type of shark it was.
Another surfer helped Fabel to shore, where a nurse rushed him to a Mexican hospital.
"They had to stitch all the tendons and muscles back together," he said.
The shark took a four-inch bite out of his foot.
"It was deep, it was to the bone. I actually could see muscles and tendons torn and popped out," he said.
The shark also punctured Fabel's board, taking a bite out of the fiberglass.
"It actually hit the board itself, caused me to tip over, that's when the adrenaline started rushing. I didn't want to fall into the water," he said.
Fabel told the nurse who helped him that he wanted to return to the U.S. for medical treatment, but she persuaded him to get attention immediately. Doctors in Ensenada were able to stop the bleeding and repair his foot.
The attack on Fabel occurred at about the same time as an attack on an 8-year-old boy in Florida who is fighting for his life. In that case, the boy's uncle dragged the shark (pictured, right) out of the water to retrieve the boy's arm.
Although sharks are common along the coast, shark attacks are rare.
"You always see them when you're out there surfing," Fabel said. "Most are friendly, or stay away from you."
Fabel said that it would be a long time before he surfs in Mexico again.
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Tim Fabel (pictured, left) was paddling out on his board when the shark bit him on the foot.
"I felt a really sharp pain, I guess a jolt, to my left foot. I looked down into the water saw a large shadow swim underneath my board," Fabel said.
Fabel never got a good look at the shark and was unsure how long, or what type of shark it was.
Another surfer helped Fabel to shore, where a nurse rushed him to a Mexican hospital.
"They had to stitch all the tendons and muscles back together," he said.
The shark took a four-inch bite out of his foot.
"It was deep, it was to the bone. I actually could see muscles and tendons torn and popped out," he said.
The shark also punctured Fabel's board, taking a bite out of the fiberglass.
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- July 11, 2001: Shark Attack Victim Shows Promising Signs
- July 8, 2001: Boy's Arm Reattached After Shark Attack
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