lifeguard

‘It's a Miracle': Man Who Survived Haulover Beach Shark Attack Recounts Ordeal

Elvin Lanza received 27 stitches and seven staples following the shark attack

A man who was injured in a rare shark attack at Haulover Beach over the weekend says it was a "miracle" that he was able to get away from the predator.

"The adrenaline and my survival instincts kicked in and I just thought I need to get to shore," Elvin Lanza told reporters Tuesday. "It's a miracle. I think it's God's hand near me."

Lanza, 44, spent Sunday at the beach with two friends and was in the water when the attack happened. He said they heard a lifeguard blowing a whistle but didn't think they were calling them.

"We saw the Jet Ski circling people but we didn't know what it was for," Lanza said. "The Jet Ski then got close to me and [the lifeguard] said 'hold on, don't swim' because the shark was close. And at that moment the shark bit me."

Lanza was bitten by what's believed to be a 4- or 5-foot bull shark. He said he decided to fight back, which helped him escape.

"It bit one knee first and then I hit it with my other leg and eventually it let go and I swam to shore," Lanza said.

Lanza was taken to Aventura Hospital, where he received 27 stitches and seven staples before he was released Monday.

Lanza said he plans to go back to Haulover Beach. He said he's not afraid and compares it to crashing a car and getting back on the road.

He added that he's worried about his hospital bill, especially after he was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He's set up a GoFundMe page for help with his bills.

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