Diver Expected to Recover After Shark Bite During Pensacola Spearfishing Trip
A 40 year old diver is expected to make a full recovery after suffering serious injuries in a shark bite incident during a diving trip approximately 30 nautical miles off Pensacola, Florida, on September 1, 2026.
New details provided by boat captain Jacob Johnson indicate that the group was diving with spearfishing equipment when the incident occurred. Johnson, who helped pull the injured diver from the water, identified the shark involved as a bull shark.
The species has not been independently confirmed by authorities.
Several Shark Encounters Earlier in the Day
Johnson told FOX10 News that he had encountered sharks several times during dives earlier that day.
During one descent, he said a bull shark approached and bit his speargun even though he was not carrying a fish at the time. No one was injured during that encounter.
The serious incident happened during the group’s final dive of the day.
Johnson said he was helping another diver remove his equipment when he heard his friend calling for help from the water.
When he looked over the side of the boat, Johnson said he saw the diver in the water with significant bleeding.
He entered the water and helped remove the diver’s equipment before pushing him aboard.
Diver Bitten on Both Forearms
According to Johnson’s account, the shark bit the diver on both forearms.
The injuries left the diver unable to lift himself back onto the boat without assistance.
The other divers immediately began controlling the bleeding while contacting the U.S. Coast Guard. Johnson said the group improvised a tourniquet and used wound clotting material while waiting for rescuers.
FOX10 reported that an artery in one of the diver’s forearms was damaged, while the other arm required dozens of stitches.
The diver has undergone surgery and remains in recovery. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, according to the report.
The diver has requested that his identity remain private.
Coast Guard Rescue Offshore of Pensacola
The U.S. Coast Guard had initially reported receiving notification of the incident at approximately 4:53 p.m.
Coast Guard Station Pensacola launched a response boat and intercepted the vessel carrying the injured diver approximately 5.5 nautical miles south of Pensacola Pass.
Three emergency medical technicians were aboard the Coast Guard vessel.
The diver, who remained conscious despite blood loss, was transferred to the Coast Guard boat and transported to Naval Air Station Pensacola.
A LifeFlight helicopter then airlifted him to Sacred Heart Hospital for further treatment.
Captain Identifies Bull Shark
Johnson identified the shark involved in the attack as a bull shark and also described the shark that had bitten his speargun earlier in the day as a bull shark.
However, no identification of the species has been publicly confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard or another wildlife authority.
Johnson said the experience has not changed the group’s enthusiasm for the water and that they intend to continue diving and spearfishing.
The incident remains notable because the first official reports contained little information beyond the rescue operation and the diver’s blood loss. The eyewitness account now provides additional context about the activity, injuries, shark encounters and the diver’s recovery.
Diventures will update this article if authorities or those involved release further verified information about the incident.
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