Fisherman’s Hand Ripped To Shreds

A Florida spearfisherman’s quick instincts saved his life from a ferocious shark attack in Bahamas waters, proving American grit triumphs over ocean predators.

Story Snapshot

Eddie Jarmakowicz, 53, from Riviera Beach, survived a six-foot reef shark bite on his left arm and hand during spearfishing on August 16, 2025.
He elevated his bleeding hand above water, swam to his boat, and reached advanced U.S. medical care despite remote island limitations.
Trauma surgeons repaired at least eight tendons in complex surgery, targeting full hand function restoration.
Jarmakowicz plans to spearfish again, stressing vigilance after admitting he let his guard down.

Attack Details Unfold in Bahamas Depths

Eddie Jarmakowicz speared a mutton snapper in 20-25 feet of water near Grand Cay, Bahamas, on August 16, 2025. As he ascended ten feet from his boat, a six-foot reef shark struck his left hand and arm from behind like a torpedo. His dive buddy spotted the predator. Jarmakowicz pulled back, lost the fish, and swam to the Square Grouper boat while keeping his hand elevated to slow blood loss. This self-reliant action minimized risks in shark-infested waters.

Rescue Chain from Remote Island to Florida Hospital

Boat crew wrapped Jarmakowicz’s wrist after he boarded. They sped 45 minutes to Grand Cay, a Bahamas outisland with population 250 and basic clinic only. Local staff gave antibiotics and wrapping but lacked surgery or strong pain meds. A local pilot flew him to Florida. Medical helicopter then transported him to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce. Trauma surgeon Dr. Aleta Paschal checked pulses and led surgery. Dr. David Rubay, Trauma Medical Director, oversaw repairs.

Complex Surgery Restores Hope for Recovery

Dr. Paschal performed microscopic surgery repairing at least eight tendons in Jarmakowicz’s hand. This addressed the bite’s severity from the reef shark encounter. Doctors noted timely intervention proved crucial for vascular stability and restoring movement plus sensation. Jarmakowicz, a medical sales worker, husband, and father of three, now heals post-surgery. He shared his story publicly on September 22, 2025, expressing gratitude to his dive buddy, crew, clinic, pilot, and medical team.

His composure post-attack sets his case apart from panic-driven narratives. Jarmakowicz never saw the shark, relying on instincts honed from spearfishing passion. Recovery sidelines him short-term from work and hobby, but long-term prospects include full function and return to the water.

Spearfishing Risks Echo in Recent Attacks

Shark attacks on spearfishers rise due to spearguns drawing predators with struggling fish blood and vibrations. Bahamas reefs near Grand Cay heighten dangers in 20-25 foot depths. Similar U.S. cases include Josiah Kaimani Ventura in Hawaii, who self-applied a tourniquet after a thigh bite and swam through blood clouds for 70 staples. Florida’s Chance Armand faced an 8-foot bull shark while spearfishing yellow jack.

Another Florida spearfisher got attacked minutes after telling family sharks pose no threat. Florida beaches claim nine of America’s top ten shark attack spots. These incidents reinforce buddy systems, tourniquets, and vigilance needs. Jarmakowicz warns: always look down for sharks after spearing near surface.

Lessons in Self-Reliance and Community Aid

Jarmakowicz’s survival highlights personal responsibility in high-risk pursuits like spearfishing. His dive buddy alerted crew immediately, proving teamwork saves lives. Remote Grand Cay’s clinic and pilot bridged to U.S. trauma expertise, underscoring value of advanced American healthcare. As a family man, he motivates safety awareness in Riviera Beach and Grand Cay communities. He plans resuming spearfishing, embodying resilient spirit.

Experts like Drs. Paschal and Rubay affirm advanced repairs enable hand function. No complications reported by late 2025. This story boosts ocean safety talks without political overtones, though it spotlights tourism medical evac needs in Bahamas.