Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA woman swimming in the Silver River near Ocala, Florida, survived a severe alligator attack after attempting to ward off the approaching reptile with a paddle before it grabbed her arm and dragged her underwater. Nearby boater John Gamache witnessed the charging animal and quickly navigated his vessel toward the swimmers to scare off the alligator before it could inflict further harm. Recognizing the severity of the victim's life-threatening injuries, Gamache used a rope to create a tourniquet for her arm and transported the group to a boat launch where first responders took over. The victim's family reported that she survived the attack and was released from the hospital, though she lost her right arm as a result of her injuries. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers subsequently tracked down and removed the 9-foot 8-inch alligator, allowing officials to reopen the section of the river on August 9. In fullWoman loses arm but is saved by Good Samaritan after alligator attack in Florida watersMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Swimmer’s arm torn off in alligator attack in Florida’s idyllic springs
Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA woman swimming in the Silver River near Ocala, Florida, survived a severe alligator attack after attempting to ward off the approaching reptile with a paddle before it grabbed her arm and dragged her underwater. Nearby boater John Gamache witnessed the charging animal and quickly navigated his vessel toward the swimmers to scare off the alligator before it could inflict further harm. Recognizing the severity of the victim's life-threatening injuries, Gamache used a rope to create a tourniquet for her arm and transported the group to a boat launch where first responders took over. The victim's family reported that she survived the attack and was released from the hospital, though she lost her right arm as a result of her injuries. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers subsequently tracked down and removed the 9-foot 8-inch alligator, allowing officials to reopen the section of the river on August 9. In fullWoman loses arm but is saved by Good Samaritan after alligator attack in Florida watersMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
