Florida surfer Cole Taschman is seeking to raise funds after surviving a shark attack for the second time in his life on Friday. According to WPBF 25 News, Taschman was bit while surfing near Bathtub Beach, the same area where he was attacked more than a decade ago in 2013.
Taschman was bitten last Friday by either a bull shark or tiger shark. After got to shore he was met by friends who were standing by to help. His friend Zach Bucolo was able to fashion tourniquets out of surfboard leashes, and Taschman was brought to the hospital. When he reached Saint Mary’s Medical Center, he received two surgeries by Dr. Borrego, repairing 3 tendons, and received 93 stitches and several staple stitches.
The GoFundMe page set up by his girlfriend explains that the surfer does not have health insurance and will be out of work for at least 3 months to recover. He is currently wheelchair bound. The fundraiser aims to raise $30,000 to support the Florida man and has currently reached $5,190 with 78 donations. Fortunately Taschman spent the weekend in the hospital and was released on Monday.
In 2013, the man was bit by a smaller shark near the same beach, leading to just 12 stitches. He explained that the beach is apparently a hotspot for sharks, so he’s not entirely surprised that he’s been attacked there twice. He does plan to return to surfing, though he says that it might take some time.
If you want to support Taschman during his time of recovery, you can donate to the GoFundMe here.