Father of teenage girl attacked by shark shares rescue story

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The father of a 17-year-old girl who was recently attacked by a shark off the North Carolina coast has shared the dramatic story of how he rescued his daughter by punching the shark repeatedly until it let go.

At a press conference Friday, Charlie Winter said he grabbed his daughter Paige and ran for shore while the shark chased them.

Doctors said Paige’s left leg and two fingers on her left hand were amputated after what was likely a bull shark attack. Despite this, doctors said she’s in good spirits and should complete physical therapy and rehabilitation within six to twelve months.

The June 2 shark attack was one of two in North Carolina so far this month. A 19-year-old surfer said he was bitten on his foot last weekend.