Florida Surfer Survives Second Shark Attack at the Same Beach, a Decade Apart

November 1, 2024

Some people are born for the water, and others… well, they’re just born to dodge sharks, apparently. Meet Cole Taschman, a charter boat captain and former competitive surfer who’s just survived his second shark attack at the sameFlorida beach. Yep, you read that right — lightning (or in this case, a shark) struck twice at Bathtub Beach in Martin County, marking Taschman’s second encounter, a full decade after his first one when he was only 16.

This time, it was serious. Cole was hit from behind by what he thinks was a 7- or 8-foot shark. But, instead of panicking, his friends went full-on hero mode, using their surf leashes to make a tourniquet and then racing him to the nearest hospital. Talk about friends you want around in a crisis!

Back in 2013, Taschman was a teenager who had barely had his driver’s license when he faced his first shark bite. But this recent attack took things to a whole new level. Cole had to undergo not one but two surgeries to repair three tendons and was left with a whopping 93 stitches. “This injury is a lot more serious,” he admitted — and, honestly, it sounds like a nightmare.

So, are two shark bites at the same beach enough to make anyone reconsider surfing? Apparently not Cole. When asked if he plans to avoid the water, he’s as committed as ever, and you just know he’ll be back, making waves and chasing that adrenaline.

Cole Taschman: proving Florida surfers are truly built different.

Written by: Brian Burns