Three swimmers, including two teens, were attacked by sharks in two separate incidents while they were at beaches in Walton County, Florida, on Friday, the authorities said.
A 45-year-old woman was swimming just past a sandbar with her husband at Watersound Beach when she was bitten by a shark around 1:20 p.m., South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford told reporters.
The unidentified woman sustained “significant trauma” to the midsection of her body, and part of her left arm had to be amputated, Crawford said. She was transported to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.
Around 90 minutes later near Seacrest Beach, which is just four miles from Watersound Beach, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl were with a group of friends near the first sandbar in waist-deep water when they were injured by a shark, according to Crawford.
One victim was bitten by a shark and sustained “significant injuries,” and was medevacked to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital in critical condition, Crawford said.
A shark is seen in the waters of Watersound Beach in Florida, June 7, 2024, shortly after an attack.
Barrett Grant
The second victim sustained flesh wounds to her foot and was transported to Ascension Bay Medical Center in stable condition.
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Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. told reporters that officials ordered beaches to be closed after the first incident, however, the order was not fully enacted in time before the teens were attacked.
Authorities also said that the process of changing the beach warning flags along the coastline would have taken about an hour and a half to complete.
Sheriff Adkinson Jr. said the last shark attack in the county was back in 2021 and the last shark-related fatality was in 2005.
“This is an anomaly … everything from it being three victims, to where it’s at,” the sheriff said. “All we can do is respond control, and mitigate what we can.”
Walton County authorities have reached out to ocean wildlife experts at Mote Marine in Pensacola, Florida, to help in the investigation of the incident, Sheriff Adkinson Jr. said.
Three swimmers were attacked by sharks off the Florida panhandle in a terrifying incident that has left many beachgoers on edge. The attacks occurred near Destin, a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The first attack occurred when a 17-year-old girl was bitten on the leg while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. She was quickly pulled to safety by bystanders and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Just hours later, two more swimmers were attacked in the same area. A 19-year-old woman suffered bites to her hand and wrist, while a 20-year-old man was bitten on the leg. Both victims were also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Shark attacks are relatively rare in Florida, with an average of just 30 incidents reported each year. However, the recent spate of attacks has raised concerns among beachgoers and local officials. Experts believe that the attacks may have been caused by an increase in shark activity in the area, possibly due to changes in water temperature or food availability.
In response to the attacks, beach patrols have been increased and warning signs have been posted along the shore. Swimmers are being urged to exercise caution and avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to be present. It is also recommended that swimmers avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, as these can attract sharks.
While shark attacks can be terrifying, it is important to remember that they are extremely rare. Most sharks are not interested in humans as prey and will typically only attack if they feel threatened or confused. By following safety guidelines and being aware of their surroundings, swimmers can reduce their risk of encountering a shark.
As the investigation into the recent attacks continues, authorities are working to determine what may have triggered the incidents and how best to prevent future attacks. In the meantime, beachgoers are advised to stay informed and take precautions to ensure their safety while enjoying the beautiful waters of the Florida panhandle.
