'I've never hit anything so hard': What it's like to be attacked by a shark

In his first interview since the harrowing encounter in April 2024, Peter Smith, 66, has shared the story of his survival and his remarkably positive outlook on a recovery that has defied the odds.

The former IT chief from Hertfordshire was enjoying the final hour of a family holiday in Tobago when a 10-foot (3m) bull shark attacked him in waist-deep water, just 20 feet from the shore.

The Attack: "Brain at 1,000 mph" 🦈

Peter recalled the moment the shark struck, describing the sensation of a "heavy object" hitting his leg. Realizing he was being bitten by a bull shark—a species known for hunting in shallow waters—his survival instincts kicked in.

The Fight: Peter fought back by punching the shark as hard as he could. "I was hitting it... I’ve never struck anything as hard as I did," he told the BBC.
The Injuries: The shark caused deep lacerations to his stomach, a large bite on his arm, and severed a significant portion of his upper thigh.
The Rescue: His friends, John and Moira, helped battle the shark and pull Peter from the water. His wife, Joanna, a retired NHS worker, described the scene as "horrific," noting that she could see bone through the injuries.

A "Shark-Infused" Recovery

Peter’s journey to recovery was as dramatic as the attack itself. After being stabilized in Tobago—where he reportedly "took all the blood" available on the island for transfusions—he was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.

A Touch of Irony: During one of his many surgeries, doctors used a special membrane to repair his wounds and prepare for a skin transplant. In a strange twist of fate, the surgeons revealed the membrane was made from shark. "I have a piece of shark in my leg," Peter joked.
Long-Term Impact: While he has regained mobility, the nerve damage in his arm means he has no feeling in his fingers and struggle with his grip—limitations he expects to live with for life.

Perspectives on "The Demon"

While bull sharks have been linked to a recent spike in attacks (including four in 48 hours in Australia in January 2026), experts like Tom 'The Blowfish' Hird urge against demonizing the animals. Hird notes that if a shark truly intended to "prey" on a human, there would be no survivor; most bites are exploratory or defensive.

Peter Smith shares this lack of animosity. He refuses to let the event damage Tobago's reputation or his own love for the ocean.