Diver Struck by Anti-Shark Weapon Rescued by Coast Guard

A 50-year-old diver was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital Monday night following an accident involving an anti-shark weapon.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the incident occurred around 6 p.m. about 75 miles west of Clearwater. The diver was had been aboard the vessel Ultimate Getaway and had completed four dives before the accident happened. The man was accidentally struck in the leg by the anti-shark weapon, an email from the Coast Guard said. It is unclear how the accident happened.

Two doctors on the boat provided immediate first aid and a MH-60 Jayhawk from the Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater was sent out to the scene. The guard took the patient and both doctors to Tampa General.

The man’s condition at this time is unknown and the Coast Guard has not released his name.

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