Vacationing Texas Dentist Has Close Encounter With Shark

WACO, Texas (AP) — A Texas dentist on vacation in the Bahamas has survived being attacked by a 6-foot shark while free diving.

Dr. Steve Cutbirth of Waco suffered facial and right leg wounds that required stitches. Cutbirth, who was treated at a clinic, plans to remain on vacation this week but must stay out of the water.

Cutbirth says he speared a hogfish on Saturday and then a bull shark tried to get the fish.

Cutbirth, in a telephone interview Sunday with KWTX-TV (http://bit.ly/2argNdV ), said he felt like he was "hit by a freight train in the head" before the shark took off with the hogfish. Cutbirth sustained bite-looking marks on his upper lip and cheek.

Cutbirth says he's been diving in the same spot for about 25 years and never had problems before.