On Aug. 7, Tatyana Koltunyuk was attacked by a shark while swimming at Rockaway Beach in Queens. The shark attack sent Koltunyuk to the hospital, critically injured. Koltunyuk’s family has now spoken out.
Shark Attack Victim’s Family Speaks Out
“Tatyana Koltunyuk has undergone 5 surgeries in the first 8 days since the attack, and will require more,” her family said.
“Her medical team has predicted that recovery will take several years of intense physical therapy and close medical monitoring, during which time she will have significantly limited mobility. Though the full impact of her injury is not yet known, it has left her with a permanent disability.”
Koltunyuk is originally from Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States in 1996.
In the statement, her family said that Koltunyuk’s husband passed away shortly after their arrival. They added that she worked as a marine engineer.
Koltunyuk’s family has set up a GoFundMe page, which can be viewed here.
Shark Attacks and Activity On Long Island 2023
Shark activity has been high in and around Long Island waters this year.
Five shark bites were recorded in July, most of them around the weekend of July 4. Sharks have also been spotted or have washed up on popular Long Island beaches.
Experts have said the increased shark activity is a sign of a healthy environment — but swimmers still need to be careful and avoid areas where sharks could be lurking.
