During what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway in the Bahamas, two friends, Rileigh Decker and Summer Layman, experienced the unimaginable—a shark attack. This harrowing incident took place in the sparkling waters of Bimini Bay and has ultimately tested both their courage and strength as they now recover back home in the United States.
Rileigh Decker and Summer Layman, close friends, had just leapt into the water from their friend's boat on a sunny Friday. As they swam back toward the boat, Decker felt something bump against her leg. Initially dismissing it, she continued swimming until she felt a sharp tug and realized, to her horror, she had been bitten by a shark.
In an interview shared from her hospital bed in Florida, Decker recounted, We were swimming to the ladder, and I kind of felt something nudge my leg. We kept swimming, and then I felt a tug on my leg. And I knew right then and there that I was bit. Her immediate thoughts were of survival, overwhelmed by fear and the pain in her leg.
Despite the dire circumstances, Summer Layman, who possesses medical know-how, remained composed enough to assist her friend. Layman quickly orchestrated emergency first-aid with the help of another friend who wrapped a towel around Decker’s injured limb and applied a makeshift tourniquet above the knee to stem the bleeding until help could arrive.
While Decker was the primary focus, Layman, too, had been bitten but did not initially realize it due to the chaos. It wasn't until others noticed the severe state of her foot, with blood evident everywhere, that the reality set in—both women had been attacked by what they suspect was a bull shark.
The terrifying ordeal left Decker with injuries to her tibia bone and Achilles tendon, requiring multiple surgeries. Layman suffered a significant wound to her foot. Despite these severe injuries, both women expressed immense gratitude for their survival, attributed to the quick actions of their friends onboard.
Following the attack, the two were taken to a nearby clinic before being airlifted to New Providence for higher medical care. Eventually, they returned to the U.S., where Decker has since undergone two surgeries and anticipates more as part of her recovery journey.
Reflecting on the incident, Layman expressed appreciation for their survival and support system, stating, We are just really thankful to be here. It reminds us that every day is precious. Their families' and friends' presence was crucial, and both women recognize their vital role during the crisis, saying, If they weren't there, we wouldn't be here. We owe them our lives.
The two plan to remain side-by-side throughout what is expected to be a challenging recovery, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Their story also serves as a powerful reminder of the rarity and unpredictability of shark attacks. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File, there were only 47 unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024.
In conclusion, while shark attacks are exceedingly rare, they carry a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of vigilance and preparedness while enjoying the ocean. Rileigh Decker and Summer Layman's story is one of survival, friendship, and the human spirit's fortitude in confronting the unexpected.