A 12-year-old boy has spoken publicly after surviving a terrifying shark attack during a family vacation in the Bahamas.
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Parker Roll, of Friendswood, Texas, was swimming with his 16-year-old brother near Staniel Cay Island when the attack unfolded at around 3:30 p.m. last Tuesday.
He was rushed by boat to New Providence, where he received emergency medical treatment for serious injuries.
Shark Attack Survivor Recalls Terrifying Ordeal
At the time, few details about the attack had been released, and the boy's identity had not been made public.
Now, Roll has opened up about the terrifying moment a shark clamped onto his leg during a boat tour of the Exuma Cays.
"I just thought I was gonna die," he told Good Morning America.
"I didn't really feel it at first because there was so much adrenaline but I remember looking down and I just see this head and its head was well over a foot wide. I've never felt pain like that cause there was the salt water and huge wounds and tons of teeth marks."
Roll's older brother, Jack, initially mistook the shark for a rock before believing it was a "really big" nurse shark, which is generally considered harmless.
Brother Hailed a Hero After Saving Boy's Life
As the attack unfolded, Roll's "ear-piercing" screams quickly alerted everyone nearby to the seriousness of the situation.
"I immediately took off my swimsuit because I was like, oh we need to stop that bleeding," Jack said.
"I ran over there, wrapped it around his leg and then picked him up and started carrying him over to the beach."
Several people rushed to help carry the injured boy to a boat before he was transported to safety.
The rescue became even more challenging because the remote location had no cell phone coverage or radio communication.
The family then endured a 60-mile journey back to shore. They feared for Parker's life as they made their way to the hospital.
Roll later underwent surgery to repair severe injuries to his leg and foot and received approximately 30 to 40 stitches.
The young survivor credited his older brother with saving his life, calling Jack his "hero" for stopping the bleeding.
His parents said they are "very grateful and blessed," adding that doctors expect their son to make a full recovery.
