Man in hospital bed with bandaged hand.
Share this @internewscast.com

A SURFER has been attacked by a shark in a tourist destination known for frequent predator assaults.

Matthew Bender required surgery after his arm was severely injured. 

Man in hospital bed with bandaged hand.
Surfer Matthew Bender was left hospitalized after being attacked by a shark off the coast of FloridaCredit: WOFL-TV
Aerial view of a beach with people swimming and relaxing.
New Smyrna Beach is known as the shark bite capital of the world (stock)Credit: Getty

The incident occurred while he was surfing at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on Sunday, as reported by the Fox affiliate WOFL-TV.

Lifeguards sprang into action and fellow surfers used a leash to act as a tourniquet. 

Speaking from his hospital bed, Bender recalled the horror.

“I felt it clamp down like a bear trap out of nowhere,” he told the outlet.

“I never saw the shark, but it bit really forcefully. It felt like electricity.”

He revealed he was squeezing the area left mangled by the shark bite.

Bender had to undergo surgery but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

But, doctors had to repair nerves and tendons.

Bender faces a period of time off his surfboard but hasn’t been deterred by the attack.

“For some reason, I got to take a little break, but I’ll be back out there,” he vowed.

Chilling vid shows shark chasing boy, 16, as he was hauled out of water after ‘arm left hanging off by sinew’ in attack

New Smyrna Beach is known as the shark bite capital of the world.

Since the 1880s, there have been more than 300 shark attacks along the stretch of coastline.

More recently, there have been up to 10 attacks at New Smyrna Beach per year.

Experts have revealed why so many shark attacks are reported in New Smyrna Beach.

Evolutionary biologist Gavin Naylor revealed the water is rich with nutrients.

He told USA Today that the nutrients attracts different fish species, and explained this means their predators will subsequently follow.

“Water comes in and out with the tide, and it brings a lot of nutrients.

“As it curves down, it mixes with the other current, and there is a really great surf break.”

Last year, there were at least 36 shark attacks in the US.

Florida saw the most at 19, according to the website Tracking Sharks.

Five were reported in Texas and three were reported in Hawaii.

Graphic showing New Smyrna Beach, Florida, as the shark bite capital of the world.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Damage to the Delaware Memorial Bridge after a tractor-trailer crash.

Latest on the Delaware Memorial Bridge Incident: Tractor-Trailer Crosses 3 Lanes, Breaks Barrier, and Plunges into Water

A MASSIVE rescue operation is underway after a tractor trailer cab crashed…
Aftermath of a Russian missile strike in Lviv, Ukraine.

NATO Jets Mobilized as Putin Executes Major Assault on Ukraine with 700 Drones and Hypersonic Missile

NATO fighter jets were scrambled overnight after Russia launched one of the…
Nigel Farage on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show.

Nigel Farage Argues for Britain to Retain the Elgin Marbles

NIGEL Farage has waded into the Elgin Marbles row saying they “absolutely”…
Dameonte, Gregory Watson sentenced in Chicago shooting death of WGN security guard Salena Claybourne at South Shore gas station

Gregory Watson Sentenced for Fatal Shooting of WGN Security Guard Salena Claybourne at South Shore Gas Station

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two brothers have received their sentences following the tragic…
Air India crash preliminary investigation report released

Preliminary Investigation Report on Air India Crash Published

The June 12 crash claimed the lives of at least 260 individuals…
Livvy Dunne was her own celebrity look-alike at Twins-Pirates game

Livvy Dunne Stuns as Her Own Doppelgänger at Twins-Pirates Match

Livvy Dunne was in Minnesota to watch Paul Skenes and ended up…
Carabinieri at a car accident scene.

Heartbreaking Image Surfaces After Airline CEO’s Wife Allegedly Hits Babysitter, 24; Lawyer Denies Her Fleeing the Scene

Heartbreaking images have surfaced from the devastating crash involving a CEO’s wife,…
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands at a press conference.

Concerns Rise Over UK’s Potential Dilemma as France Chooses Which Migrants Are Returned Under New Exchange Deal

FRANCE will have the option to select which migrants to accept under…
Aimen Dean, a former al-Qaeda member.

Former MI6 Agent Shares Regret Over Late 9/11 Tip, But Claims to Have Prevented Thousands of Lives From Another Attack

WHILE countless individuals have suffered from Al Qaeda’s harshness, few possess insight…
Low-quality security camera footage of a mugging.

Elderly British Tourist Mugged and Pushed to the Ground During Majorca Vacation

THIS is the shocking moment an elderly Brit is mugged and violently…
Amazon logo on a building.

Critical Amazon Recall Alert: Two Household Products Pose Fatal Risks to Children – Customers Advised to Cease Use Immediately

SHOPPERS have been issued a warning about two home items sold on…
2026 midterm elections: What the next election cycle means for Illinois Democratic Party as several Congressional seats open up

Upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections: Impact on Illinois Democratic Party with Multiple Congressional Seats Opening

The political environment in Illinois is poised for a notable transformation with…