Surfer Bitten By Shark Off Deerfield Beach
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DEERFIELD BEACH (CBSMiami) - A Palm Beach County man is recovering in the hospital after being bit by a shark in the waters off Deerfield Beach.
The parents of the surfer tell CBS4 News that Peter Kirn is recovering from surgery on his left foot and the Broward Sheriff's Office says Kirn will spend the night at the hospital.
Kirn lives to surf as pictures on his Instagram feed show. But on Monday afternoon he got an unexpected visit while surfing -- from a shark.
Mike Jachles with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue says Kirn told rescuers that a 5 foot spinner shark bit him on the left foot. BSO says Kirn told them that he was surfing about 50 yards off shore with a friend with the shark struck.
"He felt the bite and saw the shark jump and spin after it bit him," Jachles told reporters. "He said he was lucky. He was shocked by this. He's been surfing his whole life."
Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue stabilized him on scene then Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue brought him to the hospital where he was stitched up. Chopper 4 flew over the beach in Deerfield Beach near the pier. We didn't see any sharks but we did see heavy waves and surf from Monday's winds.
Max Pechonis works at Island Water Sports on the beach. He said he knows Kirn and has often surfed and skated with him.
"When you're surfing you just have to keep the thoughts about sharks in the back of your head, I would say," Pechonis said.