A Florida man who fell off a boat and was bitten by an alligator in Everglades National Park is speaking out now.[t]The only reason I’m here is because of God. ”
The 68-year-old victim, identified by WTVJ as Rodrigo Constain, was attacked Sunday afternoon at Flamingo Marina and was later airlifted to a local hospital, according to the National Park Service.
“I feel good because I’m alive,” Konstein told the station after being discharged from the hospital. I wasn’t scared and I didn’t feel panic. ”
“The only reason I’m here is because of God,” Constine added. “If you weren’t with God, I wouldn’t be here. God has always been with me. I think so. I wasn’t scared. If I believed in God. Because I’m not scared.”
Man bitten by alligator in Florida Everglades airlifted to hospital
Everglades worker Sean Crane said the alligator bit Rodrigo Constain on Sunday. (Sean Crane)
WTVJ reported that Konstein was bitten on the leg when the wind flipped his boat and fell into the water.
“On March 10 at approximately 4:43 p.m., National Park Service rangers responded to a suspected alligator bite at Flamingo Marina in Everglades National Park,” the National Park Service (NPS) said in a statement. . “A 68-year-old man reportedly capsized a recreational yacht in a marina basin and was seen submerged in the water as he attempted to swim to shore.”
“A local park ranger quickly responded to the call and treated the man for a laceration to his leg,” the statement added. “Rangers and park biologists continue to investigate the incident and are on the lookout for the easily identified alligator suspect.”
Fisherman hospitalized after being bitten on hand by giant alligator at Florida pond
The victim was reportedly bitten on the leg by the American alligator on Sunday. (Sean Crane)
Sean Crane, who works for Flamingo Adventures in Everglades National Park, said the alligator around the marina was called “Halfjaw” and provided photos and videos of the giant reptile he captured in January.
A visitor walks past an Everglades National Park sign in January 2019. (AP/Wilfried Lee)
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NPS describes the American alligator as a “federally endangered species closely resembling the American alligator.”
FOX News’ Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
