Shark encounters in the U.S. appear to be on the rise, with two more teenagers now suffering injuries due to shark bites.
One of the teens’ mothers shared her traumatic experience after her daughter was attacked by a shark in Florida, describing her as appearing ‘lifeless’ after the incident. The attack occurred during what was meant to be a joyful ‘first mother-daughter beach trip,’ but it quickly turned into a nightmarish scenario.
On Friday, June 7, 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin was swimming along the Florida coast when the attack took place. Simultaneously, another teenager, 17-year-old McCray Faust from Alabama, was bitten on the foot.
WDHN reported that a 45-year-old woman, Elisabeth Foley, also suffered severe injuries, losing part of her hand during the attack.
Ann Blair Gribbin, along with her daughters and friends from Birmingham, were enjoying their beach day when they were alerted about the presence of sharks in the water. Shortly after, Ellie, Lulu’s twin sister, informed everyone of the dreadful attack.
This incident occurred shortly after another woman was attacked by what officials suspect was the same shark an hour and a half earlier.
Ann recounted the horrific sight on caringbridge.org, stating, “I saw her wounds on her leg and started to scream. She was lifeless, her eyes closed, mouth white and pale. The wound on her leg or all that was left of her leg was something out of a movie. I finally made it back to her and held her hand and she saw me, and I told her I was there.”
Fortuitously, two doctors who were also vacationing at the beach provided critical first aid that is believed to have saved Lulu’s life. She was subsequently airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Despite the trauma, Lulu survived, although she lost a hand and part of her leg in the attack. Ann shared, “We prayed the entire way. Of course, no one wants that for your child, but she is alive.”
By Saturday, Lulu’s condition had improved enough for her breathing tube to be removed, and she was able to speak, telling her family, “I made it.”
Ann expressed her gratitude to the doctors and rescuers, believing that their intervention was part of a divine plan. She wrote, “At this point we will have multiple surgeries in the days to come and our lives will be forever changed. Lulu is strong, beautiful, brave and so much more. God has a plan for her, and we will be there to support her every way we can.”