Within moments, the teenager was struggling against a powerful predator in water that was only about six feet deep.
And her brother was about to hear the screams that would send him racing toward her.
Chapter 2: A Predator in the Shallow Gulf
The shark involved in Addison's attack was estimated to be approximately 2.7 meters, or nine feet, long.
That estimate described a large animal capable of causing devastating injuries.
The supplied account does not establish the shark's species with certainty.
Although some reports of shark incidents identify a particular species based on observations or injury patterns, such identifications require appropriate evidence.
In this case, the essential confirmed circumstances are the shark's estimated size, its attack on Addison, and the severe injuries it caused.
A large shark does not need to be in deep water to present a danger.
Many shark species use shallow coastal habitats for feeding, traveling, or other activities.
Florida's Gulf Coast contains seagrass beds, sandy areas, and other marine environments that support a wide variety of animals.
Scallops are part of that ecosystem.
So are the fish and other organisms that may attract predators.
However, the fact that Addison was scalloping does not establish why the shark approached her.
It would be inaccurate to claim that the animal was deliberately hunting her or that scalloping itself caused the attack.
What is known is that the shark made direct contact with her leg.
Its jaws were powerful enough to cause extensive tissue damage.
A shark's teeth can cut through skin and muscle, and a large bite may affect major blood vessels, nerves, and bones.
The thigh is particularly vulnerable to serious consequences because it contains large muscle groups and important blood vessels.
A severe wound in that region can lead to dangerous blood loss.
For Addison, the attack involved her right leg.
The shark bit her and continued holding on as she struggled.
She attempted to strike the animal.
But the shark did not immediately release her.
The encounter became more dangerous when the animal continued biting her thigh and pulled her beneath the surface.
At that point, Addison was facing two threats at once.
She had suffered a severe injury.
And she was being held underwater by an animal far stronger than she was.
The fact that the water was relatively shallow did not eliminate the danger.
She still needed to escape the shark's jaws before she could reach safety.
Chapter 3: The Shark Seizes Addison's Leg
The attack began suddenly.
Addison was in the water searching for scallops when the shark seized her right leg.
She immediately tried to fight back.