“I Heard the Crunch”: Shocking Encounter as Man Gets Bitten in the Face by Shark at Florida Beach

• A South Carolina man was attacked by a shark while surfing at New Smyrna Beach in Florida.
• Mark Sumersett described the attack as a bear trap crunching on his face, leaving him with a serious injury.
• This incident marks the seventh shark bite in Volusia County this year.

A South Carolina surfer was attacked by a shark at a Florida beach, resulting in a terrifying experience.

Mark Sumersett, the victim, compared the shark’s bite to a bear trap crunching on his face.

Sumersett had just finished riding a wave and was in shallow water when the shark attacked, leaving him with a 20-stitch wound on his face.

Despite the intense pressure of the bite, Sumersett managed to escape without sighting the shark.

He believes that the gold chain he was wearing may have attracted the shark’s attention.

Fearing another attack, Sumersett quickly paddled to safety and expressed relief that he wasn’t pursued by the shark.

This incident occurred at New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, famously known as the “shark bite capital of the world.”

Sumersett is the seventh victim of a shark bite in the county this year.

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), Volusia County has witnessed 343 unprovoked shark attacks since 1882.

Despite the traumatic experience, Sumersett remains passionate about surfing and plans to continue despite the incident.

Tips to reduce the risk of a shark bite

According to the ISAF, it is advised to swim with a companion and avoid venturing too far from the shore, as sharks are more likely to approach solitary individuals.

The ISAF also recommends avoiding the use of shiny jewelry while swimming, as the light reflection may resemble fish scales and attract sharks.

If a shark attempts to bite, the ISAF suggests aiming for the eyes, gills, or snout to deter the attack.