A 12-year-old Texas boy says he feels fortunate to be recovering after surviving a shark attack while on a family vacation in the Bahamas.

Speaking on Good Morning America, 12-year-old Parker Roll recalled the frightening moments when he was bitten while swimming, saying he initially feared he would not survive the encounter.

Parker said he did not immediately feel the bite because of the adrenaline, but when he looked down, he saw the shark’s head approaching him in the water.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the attack occurred on June 23 near Staniel Cay, where Parker and his family had traveled with a boat crew to swim at a secluded beach.

His 16-year-old brother, Jack Roll, said he initially believed the animal was a harmless nurse shark before realizing it appeared to be a much larger reef shark.

Moments later, Jack heard Parker scream and saw the shark bite his brother’s leg. Acting quickly, he removed his swimsuit and used it as a tourniquet to help control the bleeding before carrying Parker toward shore, where their brother, Adam Roll, alerted the boat crew for help.

Parker later described the pain as unlike anything he had ever experienced, saying it felt as though a knife had been driven into his calf and twisted. He also said his leg was covered with bite marks.

After being brought safely back to shore, Parker was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Parker said he considers himself “very lucky,” noting that the shark could easily have caused far more severe injuries. He also credited Jack with saving his life by stopping the bleeding and called his older brother a hero.

Parker’s father, Matt Roll, said the family was initially uncertain about his son’s condition but is now optimistic that he will make a full recovery. His mother, Katie Roll, said she feels deeply grateful that her son survived the attack.

Source: People