Shocking Shark Attack: Teen Loses Leg on Vacation Dive

A thrilling vacation diving excursion in Central America took a terrifying turn for 15-year-old American Annabelle Carlson when a shark attack resulted in the loss of her leg. The incident occurred during an expedition with Belize Dive Pro in the Gulf of Honduras, leaving the young girl in a fight for her life.

The Belize Coast Guard revealed that the attack happened on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 6, while the group was exploring the Lighthouse Reef. Admiral Elton Bennett of the Belize Coast Guard described the severity of the situation, stating that Carlson's right leg bore the brunt of the shark's bite, ultimately leading to the loss of her limb.

Following the attack, Carlson was swiftly rescued from the water by tour operators and transported to a Coast Guard base before being airlifted to a local hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the traumatic ordeal, Admiral Bennett provided reassurance that Carlson was stable and on the path to recovery.

A GoFundMe page was set up by family friend Aja Jewell to support Carlson and her family during this challenging time. The community rallied behind the cause, raising over $99K to aid in the teen's rehabilitation and recovery journey.

Jewell recounted the harrowing experience, emphasizing Carlson's bravery in the face of danger. The young girl fought valiantly against the shark's aggression, sustaining critical injuries in the process. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of marine encounters, even in waters where shark attacks are rare.

Local Belize officials, including Minister of the Blue Economy Andre Perez, expressed relief that Carlson survived the attack, highlighting the rarity of such incidents in their waters. While the full extent of the damage remains unknown, the community remains united in supporting Carlson and her family through this challenging period.

Perez emphasized the need to view the incident as an anomaly, urging caution but not fear in enjoying the natural beauty of the ocean. As Carlson continues her recovery journey, the outpouring of support and solidarity from well-wishers serves as a beacon of hope in the aftermath of this traumatic event.