A local fisherman is recovering well after surviving a shark attack while spearfishing off the coast of Urlings on Tuesday afternoon, according to Antigua.news.
The attack occurred shortly after 3 p.m. when the fisherman, diving approximately 75 feet below the surface, was struck by a shark. He sustained a serious injury to his arm before companions quickly brought him back to shore.
Emergency Medical Services personnel responded promptly, stabilizing the man at the scene before transporting him to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Despite the severity of his injuries, he remained conscious and alert throughout the rescue and transport.
Junior Minister for Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy Randy Baltimore offered an encouraging update on the fisherman's condition on Thursday.
"He's in good spirit. I must applaud the nurses and the doctors who attend to him. Thank God his injuries are not life-threatening. Speaking with his wife last evening, he's coming along very well," Baltimore told ABS News.
The incident has unsettled the local fishing community, where shark encounters are considered relatively uncommon. Officials confirm the fisherman's condition remains stable and that he continues to progress in his recovery.
No details regarding the species of shark involved or the precise location of the attack have been released.
