Fisherman Recounts Getting Attacked by Shark in St. Thomas: Video
A fisherman is sharing his story after he narrowly escaped death after he was attacked by a shark at Rocky Point Fishing Beach in St. Thomas.
Jasper Tayler is one of multiple fishermen who were diving in the area when the incident occurred on Saturday. Speaking with TVJ News, Taylor shared that after seeing the shark, he moved from where he was originally located in the diving area, but the animal was moving at great speed.
According to Taylor, he shot the shark with his fish gun after it swam in his direction. However, the animal dragged the gun away.
“Di shark draw weh my gun from mi suh mi affi leh guh di string. And from mi do dat and mi guh up back on di wata top, di shark just start bite mi pan mi han… When mi tink di shark finish, di shark start bite mi on mi feet,” Taylor said.
He went on to explain that it was difficult for the other men there to assist him, as shooting the shark could have led to him also getting shot.
“To how him a move fast and den dem have di fish gun, if dem shoot off a di shark me might die. The spear might shoot me as well. Suh in a dat case, dem affi just watch wah gwaan,” Taylor stated.
Despite the difficulty of the rescue, Taylor was eventually saved and rushed to a hospital. The fisherman was treated and released, but the severity of his injuries may prevent him from working for months.
Following the traumatising incident, Taylor has called for the authorities to educate fishermen about prevention measures. Prior to the incident involving Taylor, 43-year-old Rayan Reid died after being attacked by a shark at the Holland Bay Fishing Beach on May 10.
Learn more in the video report below.
