Largo Shark Attack Victim's Story Is International News

A 40-year-old Largo fisherman recovering in a Tampa hospital following a shark attack has become an unlikely overnight celebrity.

The public is fascinated by Erik Norrie's story of survival after he was bitten by a six-foot-long shark, while diving in the Bahamas. The shark ripped a chunk of flesh from Norrie's calf.

The Largo shark victim – airlifted to Miami and now in rehab at Tampa Bay General – is being described as "the world's unluckiest man." Why? Norrie claims he also has survived a lightning strike, poisonous snake bite and angry monkeys.

This YouTube video was made by a Taiwanese animation team from Tomo News US at Next Media Animation that read about Norrie and the shark attack.

Either Norrie is a master at spinning yarns – or indeed the "world's unluckiest man." But his misadventures are now a source of global fascination. 

Who is taking odds that this modern day buccaneer's story winds up on a morning or late-night TV show?

Here is Norrie's account of the shark attack:

Norrie tells the Tampa Bay Times that he was spearfishing grouper when he felt pressure on his leg, saw red blood pooling around him and spotted what appeared to be a lemon or reef shark circling him, carrying part of his leg in its mouth.

Norrie was able to swim back to his boat, and used a rubber band to stop his leg from bleeding, describing the experience as "traumatic." He faces months of rehabilitation to regain use of his leg.

Read more coverage of Erik Norrie

Shark Attacks Largo Fisherman