MIAMI – A Miami man spoke to reporters Tuesday about the moment when he was attacked by a shark off Haulover Beach.
Elvin Lanza said he was in the water Sunday afternoon with friends when they heard lifeguards call out to swimmers that there was a shark in the water.
Lanza said he initially thought the shark was far away from him and he didn't believe he was in danger.
"We heard the whistle, but we didn't think it was for us," Lanza said.
But the shark quickly attacked Lanza, biting his left leg.
Lanza said he kicked the shark with his right leg and hurried to shore.
"I see the blood in the water and I think the shark is coming (again), and I'm thinking go, go, go," he said.
Lanza said he initially didn't feel any pain because of the adrenaline.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he received 29 stitches and seven staples. He has since been released and is recovering at home.
"It's a miracle," Lanza said.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said they believe Lanza was bitten by a 4- to 5-foot bull shark.