Fisherman airlifted after blue shark attack off Ireland coast

A fisherman, Sebastian Achim, was airlifted to a hospital after being bitten by a blue shark off the coast of Ardmore, County Waterford, on Tuesday. The incident occurred while Achim and a group of friends were fishing; after successfully catching and attempting to release a shark approximately two meters in length, the animal lunged and bit Achim’s left calf.

The attack caused a significant 10-centimeter wound and severe blood loss. Achim’s companions managed to apply a makeshift tourniquet using available rope to stem the bleeding before losing consciousness due to blood loss.

The Irish Coast Guard coordinated a rescue operation involving the Rescue 117 helicopter, as well as Ballycotton and Youghal RNLI lifeboats. Achim was airlifted directly from the vessel to Cork University Hospital. While doctors were able to save his leg, he is expected to undergo further reconstructive surgeries.