Saurban
  • Home
  • News
  • Local
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Reading: North Texas woman bitten by shark grateful for beachgoers’ help on recovery journey
Share
SaurbanSaurban
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Local
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Local
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Saurban © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Saurban > Blog > Local > North Texas woman bitten by shark grateful for beachgoers’ help on recovery journey
Local

North Texas woman bitten by shark grateful for beachgoers’ help on recovery journey

San Antonio Urban Editorial Team
Last updated: 2024/08/28 at 1:40 PM
San Antonio Urban Editorial Team Published August 28, 2024
Share
North Texas woman bitten by shark grateful for beachgoers’ help on recovery journey

Shark Attack Survivor’s Road to Recovery: The Inspiring Journey of Tabatha Sullivent

A North Texas woman is sharing an update on her condition after a shark nearly took her life two months ago.

Tabatha Sullivent lost a majority of her left calf when a bull shark attacked her on July 4 on South Padre Island. Moments before Sullivent was attacked, beachgoers captured sharks on their cameras.

“The bull shark that attacked me was going up and down the beach and was probably about as big as my couch,” Sullivent said.

Beachgoers would play a part in saving Sullivent’s life. When the shark bit off her calf, she lost 75% of her blood. Strangers on the beach had tourniquets on hand and were able to keep the bleeding under control until emergency crews arrived on the scene.

According to CNN, Sullivent was taken to the ER and had to undergo six surgeries. Doctors used skin grafts from her thigh and fish skin to help heal her leg.

“Because I lost my calf, I don’t have feeling in my ankle. The bottom of my foot is all numb, too. I can’t feel that,” said Sullivent.

Sullivent wasn’t the only person bitten that day. Two people total were bitten, a third person was grazed, and a fourth man was injured fending off a shark, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Sullivent’s husband, Cary, was one of those people slightly bitten by the shark.

“I saw how bad it was and how white she was, and I thought, ‘I just lost my wife,’” Cary said.

Moving forward, Sullivent is sharing her recovery journey on social media. She said she hopes her story of strength will resonate with others who are struggling. She can walk with support, but she hopes to be able to hike, run and swim in the ocean again.

Sullivent is still in contact with a few of the beachgoers who saved her, calling them not only friends but her guardian angels.

“I think it was the help of people on the beach and the help of the higher power and God. I’m still here today, and we’re still fighting, and we’re telling our story. We’re telling our story for a reason,” said Sullivent.

Sullivent admitted that the future is unknown, but doctors say it’s a good sign that she is walking. She dreams of one day being able to hike, run, and even swim in the ocean again.

On the day of her attack, there were no shark warnings from the beach. When she is healed, Sullivent plans to work with the City of South Padre Island to have better alerts in place to prevent more shark attacks.

Texas Game Warden Capt. Chris Dowdy said the shark that attacked Sullivent and others on Independence Day escaped to open waters. TPWD said if you encounter large schools of bait near the shore, it could indicate a predator is nearby. You should remain calm and exit the water to wait for the animal to pass.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. said the county would work with the City of South Padre Island and state and federal agencies to patrol the beaches.

Copyright 2024 by KSAT – All rights reserved.

You Might Also Like

Seguin business hosting free mental health fair this Saturday

‘Let’s Play’ in San Antonio this Weekend

H-E-B remains strong in keeping shelves stocked amid port strike

NCAA Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Basketball in San Antonio

Body of man discovered on Southeast Side

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
San Antonio Urban Editorial Team August 28, 2024 August 28, 2024
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Animal Care Services seeks 13% budget boost for 2025 Animal Care Services seeks 13% budget boost for 2025
Next Article Trump indicted, Harris makes VP history Trump indicted, Harris makes VP history
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow US

Find US on Socials
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow

Subscribe to our newslettern

Get Newest Articles Instantly!

- Advertisement -
Ad image
Popular News
Seguin business hosting free mental health fair this Saturday
Seguin business hosting free mental health fair this Saturday
Trump to attend Black journalists’ convention in Chicago
Trump to attend Black journalists’ convention in Chicago
Tech Raptor: Pioneering AI Solutions for a Digital Future
Tech Raptor: Pioneering AI Solutions for a Digital Future

Follow Us on Socials

We use social media to react to breaking news, update supporters and share information

Twitter Youtube Telegram Linkedin
Saurban

Discover the stories that make San Antonio unique, with in-depth coverage and timely updates on local news and events..

Subscribe to our newsletter

You can be the first to find out the latest news and tips

  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Reading: North Texas woman bitten by shark grateful for beachgoers’ help on recovery journey
Share
Saurban © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?