Not only are shark attacks far less deadly to humans than many people might think, on at least one recent occasion, that was actually the key to saving a life.

Eugene Finnely was on a beach vacation in California with his family over the summer when he had an experience that changed his outlook forever. While out enjoying a swim in the ocean, he was suddenly rammed in the back by a shark who had apparently mistaken him for an easy meal.

After scrambling back to shore, it seemed the encounter had left him with just a scratch on his back. Later on, however, he felt strong pain in his chest that ultimately prompted him to get checked out by a doctor. That's about the time he discovered the injuries from the shark were the least of his concerns, as CBS Boston reports: