On June 18th while working on a charter in the waters of the Bahama, our friend Captain Salvador "Salvi" Ruiz was the victim of a shark attack.

By the grace of God, the quick response of the tight-nit boating community and some very generous individuals, he survived the trauma. He was air-lifted to UM Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center where he has received top-notch medical treatment. Unfortunately, after just the first two surgeries of many that he will need, he’s being sent home in the next few days due to his limited medical insurance coverage.

Even If everything goes well and he continues to improve, he will need several more surgeries and skin grafts; best-case scenario he’s looking at 6-12 months of treatment and rehabilitation.

Salvi is a self-employed charter captain and fishing guide that depends on his physical abilities to make a living. He lives very modestly, lives alone, and doesn’t have disability insurance coverage. Although his medical insurance will (for now) continue to pay his medical expenses, he has no other means of  providing for himself or covering  his day-to-day living expenses while undergoing medical treatment and rehab.

All funds raised by this campaign will be solely used to pay for his housing expenses, food, toiletries and related expenses that are not covered by his medical insurance.

Thank you for your generosity and please share this on you social media platforms.