by A surfer was mauled by a shark while riding waves at Florida’s New Smyrna Beach—an area long known as the shark bite capital of the world. Matthew Bender was left with serious injuries to his arm and underwent surgery to repair nerves and tendons.
Despite the terrifying incident, Bender remains determined to return to the water.
Victim:
- Name: Matthew Bender
- Injury: Serious shark bite to arm; required surgery for nerves and tendons
- Condition: Non-life-threatening
- Location: New Smyrna Beach, Florida
- Date: Sunday
- Hospital Statement: Felt shark bite like a “bear trap” and “electricity”
Immediate Response:
- Lifeguards and fellow surfers used a surfboard leash as a tourniquet
- Bender was rushed to the hospital and treated immediately
Shark Details:
- Species unknown, but likely candidates include:
- Blacktip sharks (common near beaches)
- Spinner sharks (known for leaping out of water)
- Bull sharks (linked to most attacks in Florida)
Shark Activity in New Smyrna Beach:
- Known as “shark bite capital of the world”
- Over 300 shark attacks since the 1880s
- Up to 10 attacks per year in recent times
- Area draws sharks due to nutrient-rich waters and strong surf
- Evolutionary biologist Gavin Naylor explains the area’s currents attract bait fish—and predators
US Shark Attacks (2023):
- 36 total reported nationwide
- Florida had the most: 19 attacks
- Texas: 5 attacks
- Hawaii: 3 attacks
