A New Zealand ocean enthusiast and social media influencer is recovering in hospital after being seriously injured in a shark attack while spearfishing in waters off Fiji.
According to a report by the New Zealand Herald, Henry Gibbs reportedly suffered severe injuries to his lower right leg after being attacked by what is believed to have been either a bull shark or a whitetip shark. Sources said the attack tore open his lower right leg, and he has since undergone four surgeries along with a skin graft.
Sharing an update on social media six days after the incident, Gibbs reflected on the frightening experience.
“[My] first dive in Fiji ended in a pretty nasty shark incident,” he wrote.
“Feeling incredibly lucky to still have my leg, full use of my foot and to be on the mend,” the New Zealand Herald has quoted.
Despite the severity of the attack, Gibbs said doctors were optimistic about his recovery.
“Looking like I’ll make a full recovery, which I’m hugely grateful for,” as quoted by the New Zealand Herald.
He also stressed that he did not blame the shark for the incident.
“No hard feelings towards the shark. I was in its environment hunting its food. Wrong place, wrong time, and there are definitely a few lessons I’ll share when I post the footage in the hope it helps someone avoid ending up in the same situation and a bit on how to respond to it, as quoted by the New Zealand Herald.
“For now, just feeling very lucky and with an even greater appreciation for life.”
Gibbs expressed gratitude to those who helped rescue him and supported him during the ordeal.
“The support has honestly meant a lot. Massive thanks to Colby and Dan, who got me out of the water and dealt with the wound so quickly, and to everyone involved afterwards.
“A special thank you to Dan, who was by my side through the whole ordeal, and of course Mum as well,” the New Zealand Herald has quoted.
A New Zealander who witnessed the aftermath said Gibbs was brought to Port Denarau Marina before being taken to hospital by ambulance at around 6 p.m. on Sunday.
“He was taken to hospital ... A bad bite on the calf muscle. He had been spearfishing,” as quoted by the New Zealand Herald
According to the New Zealand Herald, the witness believed the shark may have been a whitetip, noting that the species is generally considered non-aggressive but suggested blood from spearfishing may have attracted it. Bull sharks are also known to inhabit Fijian waters and have been involved in previous attacks.
Gibbs has built a large online following, with more than 105,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 30,000 on Facebook. He describes himself as a New Zealand-based content creator and ocean enthusiast who shares content focused on spearfishing, fishing, diving and outdoor adventures.
Having left his corporate career to pursue his passion full-time, Gibbs has said his mission is to inspire people to explore the outdoors and appreciate the ocean while sharing his experiences on the water, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.