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Teen surfer bit by shark in St. Augustine Beach

The 14-year-old received at least 25 stitches due to the bite

A 14-year-old teen is recovering after being bit by a shark while surfing in St. Augustine Beach. (Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., – A St. Augustine High School freshman is recovering after being bitten by a shark off of St. Augustine Beach on Saturday morning.

14-year-old Peyton McGinn spoke to News4Jax anchor, Scott Johnson about the incident over Zoom.

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McGinn says he was out surfing off St. Augustine Beach near 11th street, when he was attacked by a shark approximately four to five feet long.

“I had just caught a wave with my surf board and I was just about to start paddling out and the shark came up behind me and grabbed onto my foot,” McGinn said, “and like, tore it up pretty bad.” The teen said he was able to “wobble” back onto land and laid down before getting some help.

The 14-year old was surprised by the attack saying, “We had just got out there I had been surfing for like 10 minutes when it happened.”

McGinn says he’s now received 25 stitches in his foot for the bite. He will be on crutches for about ten days until doctors take out the stitches and re-assess.

His family says the teen hopes he will be able to go back to school once it starts, on August 31st. McGinn says his biggest concern is being able to play football this season at school.


About the Authors
Scott Johnson headshot

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.

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