9-year-old boy on beach vacation attacked by shark, survives

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A nine-year-old boy managed to survive and recover from a shark attack during what was supposed to be his family’s vacation day.

Jay Weiskopf, along with his parents Kristine and Ren Weiskopf, were on vacation in Miami Beach in Florida last Sunday, March 21. Unfortunately, their trip was cut short when the young boy was bitten by a shark only minutes after they got to the beach, ABC affiliate Local 10 said in a report on the same day.

“I was holding his hand the whole time and he was kind of body surfing a little bit and he had fallen on his stomach,” Kristine stated.

When she pulled Jay up, she noticed that a large chunk of skin from the boy’s shoulder was missing but he only said “Ow.”

Kristine looked down and saw a shark swimming away from them, prompting her to scoop up Jay and take him to the beach. A local fire rescue team met the family near the beach and transported Jay to a nearby hospital, where he was rushed in for surgery to close the large wound.

“He’s such a great kid and we’re still in shock, but thankful. We thank God that he didn’t take his life. That he’s gonna be OK,” the boy’s father, Ren, said in the report.

The parents said they are excited to take their child home, but doctors were worried about possible infection or long-term effects on his mobility. However, the doctors are still optimistic about their treatment given Jay’s young age.

The Weiskopfs were not only concerned for their son’s safety but also for others who visit the beach, as per report. They questioned why the beach was still open despite the shark attack and called for its closure to prevent similar incidents from happening. Dana Cruz/JB

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