In a harrowing incident, a 15-year-old Colorado girl, Annabelle Carlson, lost her leg to a shark attack while on a diving trip in Belize. The incident occurred on August 6 near the Lighthouse Reef close to Half Moon Cay in the Gulf of Honduras. Carlson, her family, and a tour group were part of the trip organized by Belize Dive Pro.
Upon jumping off the boat, Carlson was immediately attacked by a shark that had emerged from beneath the vessel. As she tried to fend off the first shark, a second one attacked her, causing life-altering injuries. The tour operators swiftly intervened, attempting to rescue her from the perilous situation.
Carlson recounted the terrifying experience to NBC News, describing it as a “tug of war” with the sharks. She said the attack was painless due to the adrenaline rush, and she didn’t even feel the second shark biting her leg.
The teenager spent four months in the hospital, undergoing seven surgeries, including an initial amputation of her leg. She also battled a bacterial infection, which she will continue to treat with antibiotics for the next six months.
During her recovery, Carlson was fitted with a prosthetic leg. Despite the traumatic experience, she remains optimistic and grateful to be alive. The Aspen native is eager to resume her athletic pursuits, including lacrosse and skiing, and even plans to return to the ocean.
Her mother, Kellie Carlson, described the horrifying moment when she realized the extent of her daughter’s injuries. She knew immediately that she would have to do everything possible to save her daughter’s life.
Annabelle Carlson’s resilience and determination to return to her normal life, including her love for the ocean, is a testament to her strength. She wakes up every day feeling grateful and believes that her situation shows there is always light at the end of the tunnel.