Swimmer Sustains Severe Bite in Vero Beach Unprovoked Encounter

The attack inflicted an exceptionally severe wound — a 12-inch diameter bite extending to the femur with massive soft-tissue damage — and the incident is distinguished by a well-documented, coordinated rescue involving multiple bystanders, lifeguards, a registered nurse, and a passing medical helicopter whose crew spotted the blood trail and turned back to assist.

On the morning of May 9, 2012, a 47-year-old female visitor from Germany was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean near Vero Beach, approximately 30 yards offshore in waist-deep water opposite the Driftwood Resort. At 11:30 a.m., while preparing to return to shore, she felt a powerful impact against her left leg. She immediately recognized the nature of the attack and observed a massive wound on her upper thigh. Despite the severity of her injury, she raised her arm, called for help, and attempted to paddle toward the beach. Erik Toomsoo, the on-duty lifeguard at nearby Humiston Park, heard her distress call from the boardwalk and swam to her assistance, coordinating emergency response efforts. With help from Michigan tourist Dave Daniels and arriving lifeguards, Toomsoo brought the injured woman to shore. Lifeguard Jordan Farrow administered oxygen while off-duty registered nurse Shanna Beard provided medical support and comfort. Officer Craig Urbanczyk offered protection from the sun while awaiting paramedics. The bite removed a large section of tissue from her upper left thigh, measuring approximately 12 inches in diameter and extending to the femur bone. The patient was airlifted by Martin County Fire Rescue helicopter to Lawnwood Medical Center in Fort Pierce. Emergency surgery lasting approximately 1.5 hours addressed massive soft-tissue damage. She subsequently returned to Germany for additional surgical interventions and was progressing with crutch-assisted mobility approximately 2.5 months post-incident. The species responsible for the attack was not identified.