STUART, Fla. – Same coast, same terror.

Cole Taschman Vividly recalls the excruciating pain that followed a recent near-fatal incident shark attack inside Florida.

This wasn’t his first encounter with a shark here. Twelve years ago a smaller shark delivered a less severe bite. However, this time the attack was much more brutal.

Riding the waves at Bathtub Beach Stuart’s In the incident last Friday with his two friends, a bull shark probably bit both of his feet at the foot of the wave, almost resulting in the loss of both limbs.

“It’s nothing like Jaws,” Taschman told FOX Weather after the shark’s surgical steel-like teeth sliced ​​thinly into his skin. “It goes through your skin like a hot knife through butter. You don’t really feel it right now.”

The shark bit both of his feet simultaneously, causing tendon damage and deep wounds. (Ana Peci)

Taschman underwent multiple surgeries to repair three ruptured tendons. Its multiple lacerations required 93 stitches and 10 staples to close the wounds.

Despite the excruciating pain, he managed to warn his girlfriend, who was taking a video of the group surfing at the time.

“I’ve been bitten. I’ve been bitten!” Taschman could be heard screaming as he paddled toward shore with his feet in the air.

A shark bit both of Taschman’s feet, severely injuring him and nearly costing him his limbs. (Ana Peci)

In a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding, his friends improvised tourniquets from surfboard collars and wrapped them tightly around his injured legs.

As his condition worsened, his friends quickly rushed Taschman to the hospital. They desperately tried to keep him awake by pouring water on his face as he drifted in and out of consciousness in the backseat.

Time was of the essence and doctors knew they had to act quickly. They immediately ordered him transported to Saint Mary’s Medical Center, where a skilled shark bite specialist could provide the critical care he needed.

‘They are garbage men’

Following the attack, Taschman emphasized the importance of understanding shark behavior.

Taschman said there are huge misconceptions about shark attacks and that they don’t come back for a second bite.

When Taschman was 16, he was bitten by a 4-foot-long blacktip reef shark pup on the same beach. (Cole Taschman)

“They are scavengers,” he said. “Sharks are opportunistic eaters unless they go crazy. I looked like something was dying on my board.”

Ironically, this wasn’t Taschman’s first encounter with a shark. When Taschman was 16, he was bitten by a 4-foot-long blacktip reef shark pup on the same beach. The injury, which required 12 stitches, left a lasting impact.

“This was nothing compared to this,” Taschman said. “It’s like comparing a high school athlete to an Olympic athlete.”

Taschman is a local fishing boat captain who is beloved in the community and will be unable to work for months while he recovers from the shark attack. (Cole Taschman)

Although Taschman’s latest injury will require several months of rehab, he remains hopeful. An avid surfer and local fishing boat captain, he is determined to return to the water as soon as possible; but not to the same beach that nearly claimed his life.

“I will surf again,” he said. “I definitely will.”

Ohana Surf Shop is helping Taschman with medical expenses during his recovery. (Cole Taschman)

The community rallied around Taschman, organizing fundraisers and offering support to help cover medical expenses, including income lost due to his lack of insurance. A local surf shop hosts various eventsincluding fishing charter giveaways and surfboard giveaways.

Taschman’s girlfriend too He set up a GoFundMe to raise money for his recovery so he can continue to share his love of the ocean with others. Click here to learn more.

Read the rest of this story here: FOX Weather.