Florida man describes lucky escape after being mauled by TWO sharks when he slipped off a boat in the Bahamas

A Florida man miraculously survived a near-death experience when he fell into the shark-infested waters after slipping off a boat in the Bahamas. 

Marlin Wakeman, 24, was at the Flying Fish Marina, in Long Island when he tried to dock the boat he was working on, and accidentally tumbled into the dangerous waters during the terrifying April 26 ordeal.

At least 20 sharks, that had been feasting on dead fish carcasses thrown into the water by a nearby fisherman, attacked Wakeman seconds after he hit the water. 

One of the sharks bit him on the leg, and another sank their teeth into his shoulder. Wakeman managed to get himself out danger to safety, as the boat's captain rushed to tie a tourniquet on his leg. 

Wakeman was rushed to the nearest hospital, and  later flown to a trauma center in Florida. Trauma surgeon Dr. Robert Borrego at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach said the  boy's kneecap was punctured, and the shark just missed an artery. 

Doctors said Wakeman, who underwent surgery, is expected to make a full recovery. 

Marlin Wakeman, 24, was at the Flying Fish Marina, in Long Island when he tried to dock the boat he was working on, and accidentally tumbled into the dangerous waters

The shark-infested waters (pictured) around the marina in Long Island Bahamas. Wakeman said one shark bit him on the leg, and another on the shoulder as he was trying to get to safety

At the Thursday press conference held at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Wakeman said:  'I got very lucky and it could have turned out to be a very different outcome'

Wakeman, who was using crutches appeared upbeat as he spoke of his ordeal at a press conference on Thursday that was held at the hospital with his family members and surgeon by his side.

'I was bit by two sharks two weeks ago in Southern Bahamas. I was going to get back on the boat at the marina there was low tide and a lot of surge going on that day.'

He said, 'when I went to take a step onto the boat I didn't take as much time as I should have and ended up in the water hanging onto the cockpit of the boat,'  The Palm Beach Post reported. 

'When I got bit, I was pulling myself back in but he grabbed me, and pulled me under water. I kind of scrambled for a second, and got my surroundings in check and realized what was going on,' he said.

He added: 'I got my left hand back on the boat, and at that time the other shark came and hit me on the right side on my right shoulder and then after that I was able to pull myself up back on the boat thank goodness and call for help.'

He said, that marina was the 'worst marina he had ever seen there's at all times 20 sharks roaming around. 

 'When I ended up in the water I knew pretty much what was going to happen when he bit me I knew what was going on. There wasn't a second in my mind of what it or what was happening.'

He said he was holding onto the covering board, and the shark grabbed him and pulled him underwater and then let go of him.

'I got really lucky he didn't head shake or hold on for a while and that is when I was able to get back up onto the surface get my hand back onto the boat.  That is when I got up to the surface to get off the boat and the other shark bit me but luckily he wasn't able to grab onto me so I was able to get off the boat.' 

He said the ordeal 'happened so fast,' and said he had no time to be scared, as he knew what was going on and just had to get out of the water. 

Though he admitted he may have some 'nightmares here or there' he said 'I'll be all right.'

In fact, once he fully recovers he plans to go back to the same area, and explained it is a prime area to to dive, and fish.

He added: 'I got very lucky and it could have turned out to be a very different outcome.' 

His advice to others: 'Don't be scared. Keep in mind they are an Apex predator and you don't want to end up in their mouth.'