An 8-year-old boy is fighting for his life after a terrifying shark attack while spearfishing off the Florida Keys on Monday afternoon.
The boy was out on the water with his father and sibling when the attack happened around 3:30 p.m., roughly four miles off Key Largo at Horseshoe Reef, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the shark bit the boy just above the knee, causing massive blood loss. A police dispatcher described the situation as dire, saying over emergency radio, “Patient is pale.”
After the attack, the boy’s father frantically flagged down a nearby scuba diving boat operated by Horizon Divers.
“The crew immediately jumped into action,” Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the Miami Herald. “They applied two tourniquets to control the bleeding and helped guide the family back to Garden Cove Marina.”
Once ashore, the boy was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he underwent emergency surgery late Monday night. His condition remains listed as “severe,” according to WSVN.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were notified of the attack. Authorities have not confirmed the species of shark involved, but experts say waters around Key Largo are home to several aggressive species, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and reef sharks.
“This area is known for heavy marine activity,” said marine biologist Dr. Hannah Colburn. “Sharks are naturally drawn to spearfishing because of the scent and vibrations from struggling fish. It’s a dangerous combination.”
Florida continues to lead the world in unprovoked shark attacks, with the Florida Museum of Natural History reporting 16 confirmed incidents so far in 2025. Most occur along the state’s Atlantic coast, but the Keys have seen an uptick as warmer waters draw sharks closer to shore.
Sheriff Ramsay urged caution for anyone entering the waters: “This is a tragedy, but also a reminder. Sharks are part of the environment here, and extra care needs to be taken when fishing or diving.”
Local residents have begun organizing donations and prayers on social media. “We’re all heartbroken,” one Key Largo resident posted. “He’s just a little boy. We’re pulling for him.”
The family has not yet spoken publicly as they focus on his recovery.
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The shark has to eat to!