Deputy rescues wheelchair user who fell into shark-filled Florida waters

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 21:00 · Archive

A Volusia County sergeant dived into shark-infested water near New Smyrna Beach to rescue a 72-year-old wheelchair user who had fallen in.

Bill Von Herbulis, a 72-year-old wheelchair user, fell into the water at a marina near his condominium in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on 27 September whilst fishing. Sergeant William Leven of the Volusia County Sheriff's Office dived into the shark-filled waters and hoisted Von Herbulis to safety, pulling him over sharp oyster shells and barnacle-encrusted dock pylons.

Von Herbulis, a former water treatment plant operator, fishes and works his crab traps daily at the marina. His wife of 41 years, Lori, was out for the evening when the incident occurred. The dock was unusually vacant at the time, according to Fox News.

Sergeant Leven is set to receive a Lifesaving Award for his quick action. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office posted bodycam footage of the rescue on Facebook the next day. Von Herbulis returned to fishing at the same spot the following day.

How it is being reported

• Dramatic moment brave Florida deputy dives into shark-infested waters to save wheelchair-bound grandfather, 72Bill Von Herbulis, 72, was rescued from the ocean after falling into the water at a marina in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on September 27.Daily Mail · 11 Oct, 20:51
• Hero deputy rescues wheelchair-bound grandfather who fell into shark-infested waterwayBodycam footage shows a Volusia County sergeant diving into shark-filled waters near New Smyrna Beach to rescue Bill Von Herbulis from drowning.Fox News · 11 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Bill Von Herbulis · William Leven · Volusia County Sheriff's Office · New Smyrna Beach

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