Teen from the U.S. Loses Leg After Shark Attack: How She Survived and Returned to the Water.

Teen Survives Shark Attack During Vacation

According to The Sun: 16-year-old Annabelle Carlson faced a horrific situation when she fought off a shark attack during a vacation in Belize last August.

NBC

The girl sustained numerous injuries, including damage to her arms and part of her leg. Annabelle shared that her family loves diving, and they all hold certificates. During the dive, they noticed several sharks and beautiful fish.

“I never thought I would be attacked by sharks, but here I am,” she said.

After Annabelle jumped from the upper deck of the boat into the water, she was unexpectedly attacked by sharks. The girl noted that she hit one of the sharks six times while trying to free herself.

“We were face to face, and it only bit my hands,” she added.

Another group of divers in the water threw her a rescue ring, but due to her injuries, Annabelle couldn’t grab it. After another shark attack on her leg, people started throwing oxygen tanks at her to pull her onto the boat.

“At that point, we realized there were no necessary medical supplies for first aid on the boat,” Annabelle noted.

NBC

After an hour on the boat, Annabelle tried to stay conscious until they returned to shore. When they finally reached the shore, she was urgently taken to the hospital.

“At that moment, I wasn’t aware that if I fell asleep, I could lose consciousness, and maybe I wouldn’t survive,” she recounted.

Annabelle was sent to a hospital in Miami, where she underwent several surgeries. Her mother, Kelly Carlson, posted on Facebook about the experience:

“My beautiful girl survived the unimaginable,” she wrote. “I am grateful that this story does not end here.”

NBC

Annabelle admitted that she initially thought everything would be fine once she returned home. When she realized the shark had bitten off part of her ankle to her knee, she developed an infection.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” she emphasized.

Despite losing her leg due to the infection, Annabelle spent the following months in the hospital but later returned to sports and even diving.

New Goals and Promises

Now, the girl intends to create a fund to provide first aid kits for boats and camps to help others who need them.

“If I hadn’t received the tourniquet, I wouldn’t be here today,” she added.

Annabelle noted that, despite all the challenges, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Facebook Summary: Annabelle Carlson's story is an inspiring example of resilience and strength. Despite the horrific injury, she not only managed to survive but also found the strength to return to an active life. Her intention to create a fund to help others indicates a desire to act for the community and use her experience to save others in similar situations.