Chance Armand, a 28-year-old Florida spearfisherman, was bitten by a bull shark just minutes after assuring his visiting family they had nothing to worry about. The incident occurred during a routine free-diving trip off Florida’s coast, where the marine predator sunk its teeth into Armand’s leg, sending him to the emergency room. The attack marked a significant shift in Armand’s understanding of ocean safety and shark behavior. Previously, he believed that sharks posed no real threat, often dismissing concerns about their presence. However, this close brush with the predator forced him to reconsider his assumptions. Armand, who began spearfishing in 2020 and took up free diving this year, had always maintained that sharks were more curious than dangerous. He had told his family that ‘nothing crazy’ usually happened and that they could safely engage in their ocean activities. Yet, when the attack occurred, his perspective changed dramatically.
The attack was an unexpected twist to what had initially appeared to be a routine dive. Armand, who was accompanied by his family from Oklahoma, had been taking them out on the water for their first ocean experience. He had confidently assured them that sharks were not a significant threat. During the dive, he had noticed several sharks but did not think much of it. However, as he descended to around 65 feet to spear a fish, a bull shark quickly approached. The large predator, drawn by the sound of the spear gun, attempted to intercept the fish, and in doing so, ended up biting Armand’s leg. Despite the injury, Armand managed to keep calm and was able to guide the shark back to the ocean floor before returning to the surface. The incident was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the ocean and the potential dangers that even experienced divers can face.
Upon resurfacing, Armand was able to manage the bleeding by creating a makeshift tourniquet using a spear gun band, a fillet knife, and a T-shirt. Once back on the boat, emergency responders took him to the hospital where he underwent anesthesia to clean and inspect the wound. After a considerable number of stitches, he was able to return home, expressing gratitude for the outcome. ‘It was a blessing,’ Armand said, noting that the attack did not result in severe injuries. He was able to walk on the leg the next day, which he described as a relief. The incident also sparked a new perspective for Armand, who plans to return to his ocean hobby once he is fully recovered. ‘I’m a little too dumb to quit,’ he said, emphasizing his determination to continue spearfishing while being more cautious in the future.
Armand’s experience highlights the unpredictable nature of ocean life and the importance of respecting the dangers that come with diving and spearfishing. While he had previously dismissed the threat posed by sharks, the attack served as a wake-up call for him and others. The incident also sparked a discussion about the role of sharks in marine ecosystems and the potential for sustainable harvesting of these predators. Armand expressed a desire to change the cultural perception of sharks in Florida, viewing them as a renewable resource that can be responsibly managed and harvested for food. ‘We have a lot of sharks in the water, so it’s not like we’re in danger of hurting the population at all,’ he said, underscoring his belief in the importance of sustainable fishing practices. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and marine ecosystems, and the need for responsible stewardship of these resources.
Overall, the incident with the bull shark not only changed Armand’s perspective but also highlighted the broader implications of human interaction with marine life. As he prepares to return to the water, he remains committed to his passion for spearfishing while being more mindful of the potential risks and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. The experience serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of the ocean and the need for vigilance and respect for the creatures that inhabit it.