Teen bitten by shark at Kismet Beach says injury won’t stop him from surfing again
Peter Banculli says that he plans to return to surfing as soon as he is healed. He was bitten on Monday as he and his family were getting ready to head back to Fire Island.
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A 15-year-old boy who was bit by a shark while surfing at Kismet Beach sat down with News 12 Long Island to talk about his experience.
Peter Banculli says that he plans to return to surfing as soon as he is healed. He was bitten on Monday as he and his family were getting ready to head back to Fire Island.
"My first reaction to when the shark grabbed my foot was to immediately get out the water...and get help,” the teen says.
The shark bit Banculli’s left heel and toes. He swam to shore and says his friend Joe and a good Samaritan helped him until first responders got to the scene.
"I didn't believe it at first and then my reaction was pure panic,” says Banculli’s mother Kelly. “I needed to get to him right away."
Banculli’s heel and toes are still intact after the bite. He says that the injury won’t keep him from getting back on a surfboard.
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“Very excited to go back and start shredding again,” he says.
Branculli’s mother – is not as excited.
"I am very nervous for him, I think he might have a little panic but…I'm really proud of him and he's super brave,” she says.
Branculli says he has a message for all the people who helped him after he was bitten.
“Thank you to the good Samaritans on the beach that helped me, thank you to all the people in the hospital and the ER for me, yeah, the lifeguards, my mom, my dad, thank you,” he says.
Branculli says that once he does return to surging, he will be sure to be more aware of his surroundings.
