A Florida surfer survived a near-fatal shark attack on the same beach, 12 years after he was first bitten.

STEWART, FL. – The same beach, the same horror.

Cole Tushman vividly recalls the excruciating pain that followed a recent, almost fatal shark attack V Florida.

This was not his first encounter with a shark in this very place. Twelve years ago, a smaller shark inflicted a less serious bite. But this time the attack was much more brutal.

Riding the waves at Battub Beach Stewart While with two friends last Friday, he was bitten on both legs by a possible bull shark on the edge of a wave, almost resulting in the loss of both limbs.

“It’s nothing like Jaws,” Tushman told FOX Weather after the shark’s teeth, like surgical steel, finely cut through his skin. “It just goes through the skin like a hot knife through butter. You don’t really feel it at the moment.”

Tushman underwent several surgeries to repair three torn tendons. His numerous lacerations required 93 stitches and 10 staples to close the wounds.

Despite the excruciating pain, he managed to warn his girlfriend, who at the time was recording a video of the group surfing.

“I was bitten. I was bitten!” Tushman could be heard screaming as he reached the shore, his feet dangling in the air.

In a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding, his friends fashioned makeshift tourniquets from surfboard leashes and wrapped them tightly around his injured legs.

As Tushman’s condition worsened, friends quickly rushed him to the hospital. As he drifted in and out of consciousness in the back seat, they desperately tried to keep him awake by pouring water on his face.

Time was of the essence and doctors knew they had to act quickly. They immediately ordered his transfer to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where an experienced shark bite specialist could provide him with the emergency care he needed.

“They’re scavengers”

After the attack, Tushman stressed the importance of understanding shark behavior.

Tushman said there is a huge misconception about shark attacks and they don’t come back for a second bite.

“They’re scavengers,” he said. “Sharks are opportunistic eaters unless they are in a frenzy. On my board I looked like a dying creature.”

Ironically, this was not Tushman’s first encounter with a shark. When Tushman was 16 years old, he was bitten by a four-foot baby blacktip reef shark on the same beach. The injury, which required 12 stitches, left a lasting impression.

“It was nothing compared to this,” Tushman said. “It’s like comparing a high school athlete to an Olympic athlete.”

Although Tushman’s latest injury will require several months of rehabilitation, he remains hopeful. An avid surfer and captain of a local fishing charter, he’s eager to get back to the water as soon as possible—but not to the same beach that nearly took his life.

“I’ll surf again,” he said. “I will definitely do it.”

The community rallied around Tushman, organizing fundraisers and offering support to help cover his medical expenses, including loss of income due to his lack of insurance. The local surf shop hosts various events.including fishing charter and surfboard sweepstakes.

Tashman’s girlfriend too founded a GoFundMe to raise money for his recovery so he can continue to share his love of the ocean with others. Click here to find out more.

Read more about this story on the website FOX Weather.