Steve Bruemmer - Great White Shark Bite Survivor

Steve Bruemmer tells his harrowing story about getting bit by a Great White Shark while swimming off the coast in Pacific Grove, California. He thanks the Good Samaritans, 9-1-1, emergency medical technicians, the Natividad Trauma Center and blood donors for his survival. “I was in a tough spot. And everyone was so caring. I’m going home now. I’m going to recover. I’m going to be OK. Thanks to you all.”

[@msherman2442]

So glad this gentleman is ok. What a gentle and kind soul. Bless.

[@NatividadInfo]

He really is! Thank you.

[@K2K721]

❤

[@dprfail]

he may not identify as a man, or a gentleman you should find out about his preferred pronouns and not blindly assume his gender

[@msherman2442]

@@dprfail thank you for that reminder. I am non binary so yes, that was a fail on my part.

[@Beadledom2024]

@@dprfail just stop it already.

[@rjpender70]

What a lovely , humble guy. Glad he's OK xx

[@ashleycrosser3203]

The fact that he’s also thanking the cleaning staff. What a great soul ❤️

[@adrisandoval8146]

What a gentle soul!

[@JR-kk6ce]

I wonder how different and much better the world would be if just 20% of the people were half as wonderful as this gentleman.

[@ryanb1314]

We need gracious people like this guy around on earth to show that there’s light even when it’s dark around. Thank you too all who played a roll in saving this man both directly and indirectly. Seriously. He thanks the kitchen staff….

[@paulasatele2236]

He is absolutely adorable ☺️

[@dprfail]

you're so patronising

[@richduperbash2966]

What a wonderful story of courage, teamwork, and survival 😍. As a long time Paramedic and ER RN with extensive trauma experience, it's obvious the stars aligned to save this gracious man 🙏. Grew up swimming at Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Monterey. Sadly, I'm simply not comfortable being out in the water like in my younger years. It's awesome to see bystanders from my area in Sacramento were all over helping this kind soul. To anyone who reads this, if you see an ambulance behind you with lights and sirens on, pull over to the right. You might be inconvenienced momentarily, but you could be helping save someone's life.

[@anni50ful]

Well said and thank you for your dedication ☺🇬🇧

[@stalks1413]

They don't eat people? Not what millions witnessed in February in Australia. Totally predated.

[@bmoorear]

They eat people more and more. They would absolutely eat more people if folks swam and surfed alone. White sharks wait a long time to consume a seal after they hit it. The fact that most people get bit and then are helped out of the water immediately, decreases the odds of being consumed. This allows the "experts" to tell everyone they don't eat people. I am not saying that all people who get bit and bleed out would be eaten.........but some would.

[@mailchrisbailey]

@@bmoorearthere have been stories of a white completely consuming a person even in the midsts of friends trying to help. depends on how dire the meal is for them.

[@estelsaradop492]

You were meant to survive to tell the tale. And, yes, the people who ran to your rescue are angels. Congratulations on surviving!

[@villanelle8888]

The Surgeon said Steve has a great resting heart rate, akin to an athlete. He obviously keeps himself very fit.

[@jennifermarie1230]

This man survived bc hes an AMAZING person!

[@maddyG7414]

This man has such a beautiful way of seeing things.

[@christohalaris7586]

If only every shark attack fatality could survive to say it didn't want to eat me it made a mistake, look im all here still.

[@vickisvoyages]

What an experience. I can feel your kind soul. Thank God for all the heros that helped you. Praying for a complete recovery.

[@blondie7779]

Amen. Praise King Jesus he's still alive! ✝️☝️🙌🙏

[@margaretrooney9783]

Great,man,and,fantastic pp l,round about him,your,soblessed

[@cindyvining7866]

Thank you to all of the heroes that helped save this gentleman.

[@nicoladouglas3270]

Glad you survived...wow...

[@micheller7583]

You sir, are a beautiful soul, I wish you all the best in your recovery, had tears in my eyes listening to you speak of your ordeal and the people that helped and cared for you, huge hugs from Kent, England.

[@thenewtowncryer]

Brilliant lad!

[@showtime951]

Wow...This 6'4", 240lb. man is crying with warmth, joy, love, and appreciation. God bless and Godspeed to everyone involved. Having grown up in Pebble Beach, at this point in my life I often reflect on the years I spent surfing and boogie-boarding, so many days and times all alone, in so many locations all over the Monterey Peninsula and throughout the Central Coast. Young, dumb, and very lucky!

[@goldenlass9488]

How refreshing to see the BEST of humanity! 💗

[@joycechivis6317]

I’m so happy this man survives. You were a very lucky man and very well blessed.

[@bldos5362]

they do want people if their food is scarce. if food is scarce any mammal will do. I'm happy you survived. harrowing story.

[@betkay1018]

Wow, if anyone was having a lucky day Steve, it must have been you. So much expertise couched in love and care to bring you through this horrific event was definitely divine intervention. This video is definitely the way to recognise and applaude your aides for their parts in your survival and ongoing. This happened for a reason and it is yours now to explore and exploit for good things - you are making it count already - blessings !!

[@themajesticpelican]

Very unlucky as well

[@rosiknecht2380]

@Bet KAY that is so true

[@ivankadump2539]

?

[@justsomeguy6474]

Lol Divine means God sent the shark too. Just an FYI.

[@emilyowen2555]

What a ledgend, and thank goodness for all the people who saved him. Absolute G.

[@dimebrad2760]

Lol. He is a G.

[@MrSpudnik59]

Such a beautiful man! Bless x

[@bengolfs1]

All the stars were in alignment for Mr. Bruemmer. He got a second lease on life. Make the most of it.

[@conniewrightsman9122]

I'm happy for you!! You made it!!

[@lisawise9849]

This man has a heart of gold and he is so grateful to everybody for saving his life. And he didn't blame it on the shark because he knows that's it's not the shark's fault it's where the shark lives and he was in his home.

[@vincebronzini5695]

Glad you made it out to tell your story, but I do believe sharks know we’re on the food chain, just not their favorite.

[@katekat1064]

What a sweet man. And he remembers to thank so many people for his survival.

[@hollyd0024]

What a nice man! People love to complain about each other, but sometimes in a pinch, people are there for you, willing to save your life. God bless you Steve, live a great life!

[@markbeetham5118]

What a very lucky man. Get well soon

[@yorky9585]

Great you survived and all the best with recovery 👌👍💪. But on your point , they do and have eaten humans . One was recorded on video this year in Feb . We can respect nature aswell as knowing it can see us as food. It's their backyard enter at your own risk .

[@alebroker7587]

Yeah they do, he was Lucky it was just an exploratory bite and not a predation.

[@yorky9585]

@@alebroker7587 I'm glad he's alright but this kind of rhetoric can sway ill informed people sharks are like killer whales . I've lost count on how many videos there are now on the internet of full predations and attempted predations. I say see them like lions and grizzlys stay out there home and you'll be fine . This sharks are misunderstood goldfish is ridiculous, they are predators that need to eat and they will end of.

[@mrminor4465]

exactly.. thank you!!! idk why people try to say otherwise

[@nickmitsialis]

@@alebroker7587 Cali sharks (for some reason) don't seem to eat humans (though they did back in the 1950s at La Jolla and SLO); Ralph Collier thinks it's because those fat elephant seal pups have 'spoiled' them, and also it's why Cali/Guadalupe white sharks get so big and fat. In other populations (the Med/Greece/Croatia; Australia, South Africa) that don't have huge fat elephant seal colonies to hunt at, white sharks have a more diverse diet and they do partially or totally consume the human vics.

[@alebroker7587]

@@nickmitsialis also a lot of attacks in Cali, are done by Juvenile Sharks on surfers, but I wouldnt go as far as to say they are not eating humans in Cali waters.

[@FloatOnBy]

As someone who lost a friend to a shark attack and also being a blood donor, this really struck home. Thank you for respecting the ocean and for being such a good human! Wishing you a full and speedy recovery!

[@iamspartacus6713]

sorry for your loss and well done for donating blood.i wish i could give blood but i had a transfusion in '81 so it counts me out forever.it was after a motorbike accident when i had about 20 pints.so i will always be grateful to wonderful people like yourself

[@shinskoala7072]

This is what it's like to live a life in gratitude. Something tells me he has always been like that. So glad a person like this is still with us.

[@mooselord2838]

Absolutely beautiful that a dude whose life could have been completely taken away by this incredible animal still has love and respect for this beautiful animal.

[@tracey6556]

Todays world needs a gazillion more people like you, Steve Bruemmer!!! I love your attitude. God be with you in your healing! ♥️

[@MissaPality]

God speed Steve Bruemmer. Absolutely amazing story and I am so happy to see you on the road to recovery. Amazing how many lives were involved with getting you well. It was so surreptitious that it was those people, who are so well versed in emergencies, that happened to be at that same beach at that same time you were injured. I am sure your family and loved ones are feeling blessed to have you home.

[@HRHTim1]

What a lovely guy Steve is. I hope you recover quickly Steve.

[@misskitty2710]

His attitude of gratitude is so wonderful to see!

[@cyndisbranti1594]

I’ve been wondering WHO and HOW that person was doing. I’m sooooo happy he’s doing well and his love for life is contagious. I just made my blood donor appointment.

[@lynnerodgers4461]

A well oiled team of medical personnel all working in tandem to save a life is an awesome thing to be a part of❣ As I retire in September after 44 years of nursing this team experience and focus will be one of the things I miss most. I am so happy that this man was saved by such a team. It is also wonderful to see his emotion and gratitude for these caring, skilled and knowledgeable men and women. ❤😷🥰

[@markmailander3880]

Seems like he has a real good attitude about the whole experience. Glad to see he is doing well.

[@jessieg1313]

You are so thankful and gracious! Also you are the luckiest man on earth! I’m being honest, I don’t think I could go in and save you knowing a shark attacked. The Nurse and Cop are angels sent from heaven. I’m blown away by the bravery. These people are rare!

[@ziggystarlust]

What an awesome guy. Just all positivity. He got really lucky that people were there to help him.

[@OzMan9989]

Good luck brother. What a story. So glad you’re with us.

[@catau8000]

this man appreciates everyone and appreciates life - so glad he made it

[@antoniabaker7770]

What a gorgeous soul. Safe , quick recovery Steve.

[@Threemore650]

What a darling chap. I wish him a speedy recovery.

[@GloriaL28]

So happy your ok a true stroke of luck, if that shark had been hungry enough you would have been gone, seals maybe their favourite food but let's face it anything does if your starving hungry------- lucky man

[@nickmitsialis]

I don't think the shark was 'hungry' or it would have 'smashed into him at full speed in a full on attack. Anyway, I was puzzled that an adult white shark was lounging around Pacific Grove 'off season' (october to february), though a few years back a kayaker was attacked during the summer right in front of Cannery Row. in mid summer (a couple of folks in a hotel right on the water filmed it on their 'potato phone cam'==you can hear them say, 'Maybe we should call 911?')

[@melindajuszczyk1101]

What an amazing man!! So thankful he made it !!!

[@bowhunting1013]

Glad you came through it brother , this will give you a bigger respect for the ocean and make you even stronger, god bless

[@nicohusky]

Lovely guy. So well mannered and appreciative. Glad this kind soul is ok. Kudos to the hero's that pulled him to shore. THAT is what true heroism is.

[@robertwynkoop7112]

Man, this is the way emergency trauma care is supposed to work. He is so lucky in so many ways!

[@conndapierce5869]

Praise God for all those people. That was a lot of miracles in a row.

[@fxausmwk5671]

There wasn‘t a single miracle. If the shark bites off his leg and the leg grows back - THAT would be a miracle.

[@doggiesarus]

Articulate, forgiving, knowledgeable of what happened and not vindictive about what an animal did. No sign of immaturity or revenge. The shark, as he said, thinks he's a seal. Dosen't like the taste, spits him out. Shark is not a bad guy. I am so in love with this man. Bless his family, the EMTs. wow!

[@MrCites1]

Sharks know what a seal is. They eat humans, they eat a huge variety of things. The reason they spit them out as such, is they’ve done the damage, and it’s safer to wait until the Seal etc bleeds out and can’t pose a threat. Then they come in and consume it. Humans are fortunate that we get help and pulled out, when people are on their own they often don’t get seen again.

[@Beadledom2024]

@@MrCites1 yes to all that you wrote, but you left out territorial bites as the main cause. Surfers get hit most often, because they are going back and forth for hours in the shark's territory and the shark is saying 'take a hike buddy!' All predators stake out their hunting lands and drive off competition with tooth and claw. We just can't see them in the water to realize they're pissed at our trespass. Humans think they own the surf and ocean, never stopping to think...

[@JoeyMo973]

Always been fascinated with Apex predators both land and sea. I'm an avid angler and I know quite a bit about fish and sharks. Before I make the next statement I will clarify so the liberals don't get offended. They are vital to the oceans ecosystem and amazing animals that SHOULD be protected But there is a reason that we intentionally hunted them to cull the population from the early 1900s to the late 60s when they became protected. We've only been tracking shark attacks for 70 or 80 years. The reality is that back in the day with tigers, whites and bull sharks were at max population the ocean was a very scary place to swim and shark attacks were much more common. Unknowingly we also wiped out seal populations along both coasts by almost 90% that is their main food source. It was a double whammy and their overall numbers were down by 80% maybe even more. But to say they don't want to eat people is naive, feel good talk. Your lying to yourself and others when you say it. Sharks are stone cold killers. Great whites have been around for more than 400 million years. They are some of the most highly evolved killing machines on the planet. They only have 2 objectives in their life. Eat and reproduce. (They don't ever truly sleep) Now understand this. Great whites have a very long lifespan (70+ years) with that they have a very long reproductive cycle. If you know how a population comeback looks for a long living animal with a long reproductive cycle the first few decades are slow growth then it starts multiplying. We are probably 15 or 20 years into the multiplying portion. Their numbers are MUCH higher than they were just 10 or 15 years ago. It's not the same ocean you swam in as a kid.... Also notice the seal invasion in Cali?? They're back too.. I fish saltwater and see the brutality of the fish world first hand. From sardines to sharks If it fits in their mouth the try to eat it. But lets stop with the BS and be realistic. The ocean is there domain and yes they are also territorial and may choose to shred you to pieces not for food but because you picked the wrong turff to intrude on. If you choose to enter the ocean you assume the risk. The risk is growing significantly every year. And the people who swim by seals... you probably still have a Hillary sticker on the bumper of your prius.

[@Pattiepies55]

What a beautiful soul. So full of gratitude and gentleness. God bless him ❣️

[@robertbragg9364]

It's absolutely terrible that this happened to him. He seems like such a great human being. Thank God for the people that helped him and thank God he survived! I'd do anything to have his positive attitude and to be as humble. Hopefully he recovers quickly and gets back to 100%. Good luck

[@annyoung6560]

What a wonderful person this man is.

[@helenmcloughlin9065]

He seems such a lovely human being.i am thankful that he survived.god bless him always.xxx.

[@barbaramills7789]

What an absolutely lovely man you are, im so glad you are ok ❤

[@Cyndy101]

I'm in Canada 🇨🇦 and saw the attack on the news the day it happened and the interview with the nurse and police officer who paddled our to save him. I was immediately so impressed and thankful that this world has heros like them and all the others that saved him. Well deserved calling everyone involved HEROS! 😊

[@toniapedd]

Oh I'm so very happy to hear from you, Steve! I saw the news of your attack and have thought of you and prayed you made it. You have an amazing attitude, especially about sharks not actually wanting to hurt people, we just happen to be in their habitat. God Bless you and all who were there for you! Best wishes on your full recovery! I can only imagine you have quite a wonderful life ahead for you💗

[@anni50ful]

Wonderful ! I'm in the UK,I had cancer and you don't realise how fantastic our medics are until they save your life, it's very humbling to get a second chance, well done now show everyone how wonderful they were by getting well .Bless you ☺ 🇬🇧

[@JennWatson]

The opposite of a narcissist! He even gave thanks to the cleaning crew! Thank you for this beautiful story 😀

[@internal1000]

You going to walk brother. Your heart is pure. What a man. Speedy recovery. Forgiveness to The Shark. Amaizing Grace! ❤️

[@lilramborambo4399]

Wow..... He's blessed and he knows it.... He said that perfectly... Bravo 👏....😉👍🦈🙏

[@JulianGonzalez1974]

This dude has gratitude just pouring out of him! I wish him a full recovery! May God continue to bless this man and everybody involved in his rescue and recovery.

[@chrislent6142]

A lucky man....very humble and appreciative

[@stephencook7337]

Dude you’re one of the lucky ones. Some people have actually been eaten by a shark. Count your blessings. All the best.

[@lindacarruthers3423]

I think this video is all about counting his blessings .🥴

[@bkarosi]

Yes, sharks do eat people

[@christopheclaus8505]

@@bkarosi nah they dont like us as food where not on there menu most of the times it mistakes us for seal .

[@Streetrocker28]

@@christopheclaus8505 tell that to the Australian diver who got mauled early this year by a great white …..

[@abdarsmk6r]

@@christopheclaus8505 most sharks are not interested in humans. But some of them are so stressed and hungry. They will eat a human. Look at the guy simon nellis who got cut in half and got eaten

[@thebinbin50]

God Blessed you! I watched that video of all those hero’s rescuing you, it was amazing, and shone a light on the GOOD people in this ever changing dangerous and violent world. Go home. Live. And recover to walk & swim again! Thank you heros.

[@catherinelove3043]

💕💕💕🇦🇺💕🙂🙏

[@TheCcmarine]

So glad you made it Steve!! You seem like a really cool guy and I can see how grateful you are! 28 units of blood man that's a lot! Very lucky indeed. Much respect for thanking everyone down to the food service and blood donors etc!

[@suzannetabone5578]

He so thankful to be alive due to incredible luck and the bravery of others who put their own lives at risk to save him. What an absolutely uplifting and inspiring account. I wish him a long and contented life.

[@amberbaker7417]

I love how you found the silver lining, and discerned everything that worked in your favor!

[@johnshields6852]

We get caught up in the hype of why they attack, we look like seals, mistaken identity, sharks attack because of instinctive impulse, we complicate it, they just react, we are not on their normal menu, but at the right time and conditions they do eat humans, rare as it is, it's an instinctual action, they like blubber, tell that to the many who have been completely consumed by sharks. This is a good man, I'm glad he's survived.🙏

[@yourdaddy6030]

Come on, dude. How we supposed to tell people that have been consumed by sharks anything??

[@elizabethafzal3900]

What beautiful words to the people who helped him. Such gratitude.

[@Josh_Andrade]

Made me choke up! So happy you’re ok and God bless you and all the people that rallied to save your life!

[@jemmadavies3226]

What a lovely man, hope everything turns out ok for him x

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Very touching. Thanks for sharing. Good luck with your recovery,

[@ChefPelle]

Do sharks mistake humans for seals? Highly unlikely. Do sharks knowingly attack humans? Yes. Do sharks attack humans as prey. Absolutely. This is most likely a territorial attack by a relatively young GWS. Not an attempt to predate (anything).

[@MsEyelinered]

it was a 20ft adult GWS. one of the biggest in the world.

[@ChefPelle]

@@MsEyelinered Highly unlikely. In that case he wouldn't live to tell the tale.

[@jeremydarkeag1e85]

Yeah...the bite radius abdomen and thighs...that was a big 'un

[@Beadledom2024]

@@ChefPelle maybe, before drawing such binary conclusions, familiarize with the case facts first...this case, and historic cases with large GWs were swift medical attention is applied.

[@LeoWhalen1933]

Seems like a great person. I'm glad this ended up being a positive story.

[@Taureanfitness]

Awe I love this story! This man really touched my heart God bless the good samaritans and medical personnel that sacrificed themselves to help save this man's life

[@Toyos-yk3ri]

I’m glad he’s ok but he’s mistaken sharks don’t eat people. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t, it was his lucky day.

[@mooncatgrenadier2075]

Incredible what a truly kind soul glad he survived

[@debralunn6331]

God was there in those chains of events.... Blessings to you and your family. You sound a positive and good man. Sending you love and healing wishes from UK... ✨

[@kwesto03]

Such a humble human being. Thank you for being the person you are. You aren't angry with the Shark, you aren't asking for a Shark cull. You have openly and publicly thanked those who work in a thankless role. You Sir, are a true gentleman 👏

[@michaelb41]

I'm sorry that happened to you. It's great to hear the story in your courageous words. I have swam out to sea at Grand Cayman Island so I know the excitement of swimming off-shore.

[@kylieknight2365]

I am so very happy he survived and that he has amazing understanding of the ocean and of the beautiful sharks we need. And how thank you he is to everyone that helped from the ocean to his discharge. You are amazing Steve

[@brucedevine8644]

So glad you are OK and such a nice guy! Wish that would happen in my country if I was badly wounded. In Zimbabwe they would have stolen any valuables I may have had on me and left me for dead. If I managed to crawl to a hospital, they would have insisted I pay in full before even thinking of attending to me. Once paid up and I managed to bribe someone they wouldn't have the necessary medication, expertise or equipment to do anything! In short...don't get injured in Zimbabwe.

[@iamspartacus6713]

truly shocking i'm sorry to hear that.peace and love from the uk

[@Kimmirisk]

Awwwww…. His appreciation for all who helped is so heartfelt! 🥰❤️

[@coreymclernon]

Steve, you are a man so full of gratitude! You deserved saving. Humility, grateful and filled with gratitude. This is great to see 🙏🏼

[@christikemp3337]

What a heartfelt video, Steve! Best of luck to you in your recovery. Thank you to all the good Samaritans who were there to help. Brave men & women.

[@jonathanrex]

I wish every person to be saved, even those who are not an asset to a society. However, someone like Steve who has such a winning and great personality really deserves to be guided by guardian angels along his way. All the best to you, Steve.

[@joeholthouse3068]

Thank God you’re going to be OK. Clearly his guardian angels were watching out for you that day sir.

[@rhettoneill836]

Gratitude..keep smiling love from Australia 💝

[@chubbybunny915]

Lovely gentlemen, so happy that he is okay ... story made my day.🥰

[@chicagoturntablism]

Thank you so much for sharing. You seem like such a kind person. I’m glad your okay bud

[@jeffbaker5038]

What a great story of survival and of human decency. There are still some good folks around

[@nicolaspencer]

A really great man. Hope you recover quickly.

[@liliyakamala2348]

What a humble and graceful man. The people in his life are blessed to know him.

[@stevo3938]

Anyone who finds themselves in the jaws of a white shark and lives to tell the tale is truly blessed