Stab Magazine | Graphic: Teenager Dies In Brazil After Shark Bites Off His Penis

Watch: Episode 2 of the Surf100 Challenger Series presented by Pacifico

1110 Views

Graphic: Teenager Dies In Brazil After Shark Bites Off His Penis

Well, this certainly has to be the most horrifying way to die. 

news // Jun 7, 2018
Words by stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In a scene straight out of a waking fucking nightmare, a teenager has died in Brazil, after a shark bit off his penis.

According to the Daily Mail, “Jose Ernestor da Silva was attacked yesterday afternoon while bathing in waters off the Piedade beach near Recife, on Brazil’s north-east coast.

“The shark struck just as lifeguards stationed on the beach had told the 18-year-old to come closer to the shore… 

“The youngster had his left leg amputated and had veins re-attached to his sexual organs in a three-hour operation as doctors tried to stem his blood loss but the victim died hours later. 

“He had been ordered by his mother not to go to the beach following a horrendous shark attack in April in which a 34-year-old tourist lost an arm and a leg.”

Emergency medics on the scene. Photo: Daily Mail

Graphic footage of the boy being brought in following the attack was released shortly after his death, which we hesitate to share, haunting as the images are. 

The Daily Mail’s description of the scene isn’t any less disturbing. 

“The youngster lies limp and unresponsive on the sand and gasps for air as a concerned helper holds his head and tells him to ‘keep breathing’, while another lifts his leg in a desperate effort to keep him alive,” writes Matt Roper. “Despite undergoing emergency surgery, his penis and femur were ‘amputated’ by the bite of what is believed to be a tiger shark, according to medics.”

A horrifying reality to confront. 

Despite desperate efforts from emergency medics, da Silva died in nearby Restauracao Hospital in Recife from two subsequent heart attacks, related to the blood loss and hypovolemic shock. 

In April, a 34-year-old named Pablo de Melo lost his leg in a shark attack at the very same beach, which is a tragedy, yes. But nothing like having your penis bitten off, dying, and the footage of the scene later going viral… 

Our condolences to Jose Ernestor da Silva’s friends and family. 

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

How Surfers Get Paid: Where Have We Been?

A new episode is coming. Here's a refresher on our 15 prior shakes of the…

Jun 18, 2026

Can An Economist’s World Cup Equation Predict Who’s Winning Saquarema?

A Vivo Rio Pro preview.

Jun 17, 2026

A 28-Year-Old Roman On Winning His First CT Event

The Stab Interview with Leonardo Fioravanti.

Jun 16, 2026

2026 Surf100 Challenge Series Presented By Pacifico, Episode 02

Our first 100-point ride goes down at wedgy Oceanside Pier. 

Jun 15, 2026

Former Takes The Gloves Off, Drops First Proper Surf Team Film 

“Defect” makes its world premiere in Ventura with 1,000 beers, giveaways and a derby car.

Jun 15, 2026

Dane Reynolds Discusses The Biggest Regrets Of His Surfing Career | StabMic Ep. 18

The lost pilot episode.

Jun 15, 2026

Carissa Moore and Leonardo Fioravanti Collect Contrasting Wins At The 2026 Surf City El Salvador Pro

And despite his runner-up finish, Italo defies all odds.

Jun 14, 2026

Tom Lowe Would Go

From consecutive near-fatal wipeouts to paddling the wave of a lifetime at Mullaghmore.

Jun 13, 2026

Godzilla El Niño… Fact Or Fear-Mongering?

Is it really going to be the end of the world?

Jun 12, 2026

Watch: Ritualistic Tendencies, A Heavyweight Film Of The Year Contender

The eyewear cult releases their first team feature film.

Jun 11, 2026

A One-Legged Italo Is Still Better Than Most Of The CT

Ramzi and Crosby fall to the Wounded Wario and Finals Day is decided.

Jun 11, 2026

Want To Win One Of Ethan Ewing’s Stab In The Dark Boards?

We’re giving away all 12 boards to our Stab Premium members.

Jun 10, 2026

Watch Rán: A Scandinavian Surfing Saga

"I've made a lot of short films. This is the only one I'd call perfect."…

Jun 9, 2026

“Gabe Morvil Is The Best Surfer No One’s Heard Of” — Dane Reynolds

Former drops DEFECTIVE UNITS // VOL #3, starring Timo Simmers and a Wilmington sparky.

Jun 9, 2026

Op-Ed: I’ve Surfed 27 Wavepools Around The World — These Ones Are Worth The Money

An unbiased, unaffiliated reporter shares his findings.

Jun 8, 2026

Punta Roca Calls The Forecast’s Bluff

Simmers sizzles, Riss Moore launches heat-saving air rev in the dying seconds.

Jun 8, 2026

Ethan Ewing & Dane Reynolds Discuss The Best Surfboard On The Planet | StabMic Ep. 17

“I’d still rather watch Occy or Bobby surf J-Bay than some of the tour surfers.”

Jun 7, 2026

Board Dramas And Upsets Abound As Griffin & Filipe Lose Early

Meanwhile Gabby, Yago, and a hobbling Italo forge on.

Jun 6, 2026
Advertisement