An 11-year-old boy from Seminole County is recovering after he was bitten by a shark Sunday at Cocoa Beach.

Lucas Vertullo was swimming in waist-deep water in front of a lifeguard tower at Lori Wilson Park, when a shark latched onto his leg around 11 a.m., according to Brevard County Ocean Rescue.

The bite left Lucas with a severe laceration on his right calf.

"It was probably one of the worst shark bites we've had out here," said Brevard County Ocean Rescue Assistant Chief Eisen Witcher.

Lifeguards quickly brought Lucas to shore and bandaged his leg. He was then taken by ambulance to Cape Canaveral Hospital. From there, he was flown to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando.

Lifeguards said Lucas was conscious after the shark bite.

Stephanie Yelenosky, a teacher from Orlando who brought some of her students to the beach Sunday, said the shark passed right by her minutes before the attack.

"We saw a shark. It looked like it was being taken in with the wave," Yelenosky said. "About 15 seconds later, we heard screaming, unfortunately, closer to the shore, and we realized it was biting somebody."

The shark is thought to have been a small, juvenile bull shark about 4 feet long.

The beach was shut down for about an hour after the attack as lifeguards flew double red flags, warning people to stay out of the water. After the beach was reopened, lifeguards flew a yellow flag, warning of a "medium hazard."

Lucas' parents, Mike and Heather Vertullo, issued the following statement Monday:

We are so humbled by the thoughts and prayers everyone is offering for Lucas and our family. Lucas is recovering from his injuries and is in good spirits. We are deeply thankful for the wonderful care and attention our son has received from Brevard County Ocean Rescue, Brevard County Fire Rescue, the emergency department and critical care team at Arnold Palmer Hospital, and our friends and family. We wish to maintain our privacy during this difficult time as our focus at the moment is to ensure Lucas continues to improve.

Thank you.
Mike and Heather Vertullo