Mar 20, 2008 9:56 pm US/Eastern
Man Tells His Story Of Survival After Ray Attack
Click Here To Read About Steve Irwin's Death Caused By A Stingray
(CBS4)
-
-
Bertakis was 81-year-old at the time of the attack, but he lived to tell the tale.
CBS
In 2006, another South Floridian had a close encounter with an eagle ray, and believe it or not he survived being stabbed in the heart by its barbs.
"I happen to be a lucky one I guess," said Jim Bertakis. "The fellow upstairs must like me."
In October of 2006, Bertakis was on a boat in the canal behind his house when a spotted eagle ray flew into him—two inches of its stinger plunged into his chest and heart.
The 81-year-old was hospitalized and to this day still undergoes therapy. Doctors had to dislodge the barb from his heart. Bertakis still has trouble moving the lower half of his body, but was walking and talking when
CBS4's Carey Codd interviewed him.
He heard about what happened in the keys Thursday, and was waiting to find out if the deceased victim had been killed by its sting or something else. He realizes he's very lucky to have survived what he went through.
He's now got a new moniker: Sting Ray Jim. And he's started a website and contributes to several charities, as a way of being grateful for staying alive.
"I'm still trying to recuperate, go to therapy, gym, and ride a bike and everything," he said.
The preserved eagle ray that attacked him now is mounted on one of his wall as a decoration in his home.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Zoo Babies: Cuteness Unleashed
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments