A 14-year-old boy is recovering after a shark bit him on the leg at a North Carolina beach, authorities said.
The attack unfolded around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, North Topsail Beach Police Chief William Younginer said. Beachgoers sprung into action, getting the boy out of the water and applying towels and pressure to slow the bleeding, he said.
Officers and emergency medical technicians were already at the beach responding to another call, so the response time was about two minutes, Younginer said.
A police officer applied a tourniquet and EMS stabilized the teen before he was taken to the nearest trauma center, Camp Lejune Naval Hospital, Younginer said.
Doctors were able to repair the boy’s leg and he’s expected to be released soon, according to Younginer.
The police chief praised the bystanders who took immediate action.
Also on Sunday, a well-known surfer and lifeguard was killed in a shark attack near the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, emergency officials said.
Tamayo Perry, 49, had been a lifeguard with Honolulu Ocean Safety since 2016. He was a local surf coach and competed for years in the Pipeline Master Trials, according to his official bio on his coaching site. Perry appeared in the 2002 movie “Blue Crush,” along with episodes of “Hawaii Five-O” and “The Bridge,” according to IMDb.
Click here for what to know about staying safe from sharks.
A terrifying incident occurred at a North Carolina beach recently when a 14-year-old boy was attacked by a shark. The incident was reported by local police, who responded to the scene and assisted in the rescue efforts.
According to reports, the boy was swimming in the waters off the coast of North Carolina when he was suddenly attacked by a shark. The shark bit the boy on the leg, causing serious injuries. The boy was able to swim back to shore, where bystanders and emergency responders quickly came to his aid.
The police report detailed the harrowing experience, with witnesses describing the chaotic scene as they rushed to help the injured boy. Emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene and provided immediate medical attention before transporting the boy to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Shark attacks are rare occurrences, but they can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. It is important for beachgoers to be aware of the risks associated with swimming in shark-infested waters and to take precautions to protect themselves.
In response to the incident, local authorities have issued warnings to beachgoers and have increased patrols in the area to monitor for any further shark activity. They are also working with marine biologists to better understand the behavior of sharks in the area and to implement strategies to prevent future attacks.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of the ocean. While shark attacks are rare, it is important for swimmers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when entering the water. By staying informed and following safety guidelines, beachgoers can help reduce the risk of shark attacks and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the beach.
