13-Year-Old Florida Girl Recounts Brave Battle with Shark in Waters Off Coast

A 13-year-old girl from Fort Pierce, Florida, is recovering after a brave battle with a shark in the waters off the coast. Ella Reed recounted her ordeal on the “Today” show Monday, saying she believes the shark was a bull shark and that it left her with 19 stitches and bites on her torso, arm, finger and knee.

Reed said she first tried to push the shark away while yelling at a nearby friend for help, but after the shark returned, she had no choice but to fight back. She said she remembered breathing heavily and not being able to breathe at all when the shark latched onto her stomach.

Reed then said she yelled for her friend swimming nearby to head for safety — before fighting the shark off again. She blocked the shark with her arm after she felt it bite her stomach.

Reed, who lives across the street from the beach, said the experience has given her a new outlook on life. She said she is grateful for the support of her family and friends and is looking forward to getting back in the water.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the attack and has urged beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings and to swim in groups.