Matteo Mariotti, a marine biology student from Italy, was recently at the centre of a chilling shark encounter off the coast of Queensland, Australia, at the well-known 1770 Beach. The young man not only managed to survive this harrowing ordeal but also had the presence of mind to document the aftermath on his Instagram account.
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Mariotti was engaged in snorkelling activities when he was suddenly assaulted by a shark. The confrontation resulted in torn clothing and serious injuries. Despite the traumatic and life-threatening situation, Mariotti managed to operate his GoPro camera and began recording his circumstances. This footage was later uploaded to his Instagram on Monday, presenting a disturbing spectacle of the aftermath of a shark attack, complete with blood-tainted waters.
As Mariotti made his way towards the beach, bleeding and likely in a state of shock, he called out for help. His Instagram post, which accompanied the video, offers a glimpse into his mental state during the attack. “I started this video a few moments after the last bite. I wanted to say goodbye. I never thought I’d survive that monster,” Mariotti wrote, underlining the severity of the situation. In the video, he is heard pleading with a friend on the beach to help get him out of the water.
The aftermath of the attack was severe, with Mariotti losing half of his right leg and suffering bites on his left. Even after the attack, the fear of a repeat encounter with the shark was palpable, with Mariotti expressing his terror that the shark might return.
Martin Kelly, a senior operations supervisor at the Queensland Ambulance Service, underscored the severity of Mariotti’s injuries, referring to them as “one of the most serious” he had ever witnessed. Despite the alarming nature of his injuries, Mariotti is currently in a stable condition at the Metro North Hospital and Health Service in Brisbane.
Mariotti’s video triggered a wave of reactions on social media, sparking conversations about the hazards of shark encounters and the resilience of individuals when confronted with such dire circumstances. Media around the globe have reported on Mariotti’s story, highlighting the risks inherent in marine activities, and underscoring the need for heightened awareness.
