An 11-year-old boy was hospitalized after suffering a shark bite at Fort Lauderdale Beach Wednesday morning.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials said the incident happened just before 9 a.m. near 126 South Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Battalion Chief Steven Gollan said lifeguards were doing routine physical training when they started hearing a loud scream coming from the water.
The lifeguards responded and found the boy bleeding profusely from his foot. The boy had puncture wounds, but officials believe it was a small shark.
The boy, who was visiting with family from Canada, was taken to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment. Doctors said he received stitches and was expected to be okay.
"It was a like flesh wound, so to speak, I guess the shark wasn't that hungry, just looking for a snack," Broward Health Dr. Francis Amador said.
The boy, Christian Mariani, later spoke with reporters from the hospital while sporting a bandaged foot.
"The shark came and bit my right foot. It almost felt like human teeth and then I ran out screaming," Mariani said. "It was pretty painful, like really painful."
Mariani, who was visiting South Florida with his dad and brother from Hamilton, Ontario, said he'll still go back in the water after he heals.
Gollan said the sharks are in the water this time of year due to the presence of bait fish.
Check back with NBC 6 for updates.
