Teen Surfer Bitten By Shark At New Smyrna Beach

POSTED: 5:21 pm EST November 21, 2005

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- A shark attack in central Florida sent a 17-year-old surfer to the emergency room this weekend.




Kevin Spradin was surfing in New Smyrna Beach when it happened. He said he was paddling back to shore in knee-deep water when the shark got him.

Authorities say there were four to five lacerations on both sides of his leg. Spradin was rushed to the hospital where he received 43 stitches.

Officials believe the shark accidentally bumped into Spradin and bit him out of instinct.

Spradin said the incident isn't going to stop him from surfing and he plans to be back in the water in two weeks when the doctor says it's OK.