On 40th anniversary trip, Connecticut man suffers shark bite in the Bahamas, needs 30 stitches

A dream anniversary getaway turned into a medical emergency for one Connecticut family after a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas ended with a shark bite and a frantic rush for treatment.

While celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife and children, Connecticut resident John Schweizer was bitten by a shark and ended up needing 30 stitches. 

What happened?

According to Cleveland 19, the attack took place July 24 on a reef-shark snorkeling excursion in Bimini, planned as the family's final outing before their trip ended. When one of the sharks bit Schweizer in the leg, the excursion stopped immediately, and the family shifted into emergency mode.

Based on the shadow he saw in the water afterward, Schweizer believes the shark was about 5 to 7 feet long. "I got hit pretty hard... It's very - it hits you hard and quick."

After his family got him back to the cruise ship, an emergency room doctor treated him there. He was then transferred to a hospital in Miami and later returned home to Connecticut, with 26 stitches in his shin and four more in his hand.

Cases like this appear to be highly unusual. The Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File has documented only four unprovoked incidents involving Caribbean reef sharks.

Why does it matter?

Human activity can play a role when excursions bring people into unusually close contact with wild animals in ways that may disrupt normal behavior. 

Sharks remain important ocean predators, and most do not target humans. As apex predators, they play an important role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. 

When entering their habitat, you should be vigilant and keep a safe distance from anything that resembles a shark. 

What can I do?

Choose operators that prioritize animal welfare and clear safety rules over close-contact thrills. Look for tours that avoid baiting, crowding, or encouraging people to touch or chase animals.

While in the water, follow guides' instructions, keep a respectful distance, and leave immediately if visibility drops or animals appear agitated.

"We were game for anything. Until I got bitten by a shark," Schweizer said, according to Cleveland 19. He added, "With a bite like that, any animal, it's the dirt and the bacteria in their mouth. [The doctor] spent three hours stitching me up."

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