Mass. Man Recovering After 'Frightening' Shark Attack Off N.C. Coast
GREENVILLE, N.C. (CBS/AP) -- 68-year-old Massachusetts resident Andrew Costello says he is on the mend after being attacked by a shark off the North Carolina coast on Wednesday.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the former Boston Herald editor said "I'm recovering after a frightening and painful shark attack that occurred on July 1. I feel very fortunate to have survived thanks to the incredible assistance I received from medical personnel on the beach, both those on duty and vacation."
Costello suffered wounds to his ribcage, lower leg, hip and both hands as he tried to fight off the animal, said Justin Gibbs, the director of emergency services in Hyde County. The attack occurred around noon on a beach on Ocracoke Island, he said.
The victim says he is being treated at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, N.C. where he was airlifted to on Wednesday. He praised the help he received from first responders.
"I want to thank everyone from the Ocracoke National Park Service lifeguards to the EMTs and hospital medical staff for their professionalism and excellent care," Costello says. "At this time, I'm focused on my recovery and will not be doing media interviews. Thank you for your concern and respecting my privacy during this time."
In the same statement, Dr. Eric Toschlog, Costello's physician, also discussed the care his patient has received.
"Mr. Costello received a major, but non-lethal shark bite to his thigh on July 1. He was transferred to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC via air ambulance, where a team of emergency physicians and trauma surgeons was standing by to provide the proper treatment associated with these types of injuries," he says. "While his injuries will require multiple additional operations, as of July 2, he has been upgraded to good condition."
The chief of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at Vidant says he expects Costello to make full recovery.
It's the seventh shark attack in the state's coastal waters in less than a month.
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
