Three injured in shark attacks in Florida; woman forced to undergo amputation

June 8, 2024 TruthUSA

Swimmers off Florida’s Gulf coast are being warned about sharks following two separate attacks in Walton County that left three people injured.

A woman sustained critical injuries on her midsection and arm after being bitten on Friday afternoon near Watersound Beach, said South Walton fire chief Ryan Crawford.

Her arm had to be amputated as a result.

Shortly after, firefighters responded to another beach about four miles east of the first incident.

Two teenage girls were attacked while in waist-deep water with friends, according to the South Walton Fire District.

One of the girls sustained “significant injuries to the upper leg and one hand”.

“For two incidents to occur on the same day is highly unusual,” Mr. Crawford stated.

The timing of the attacks in the middle of the afternoon was also uncommon, noted Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

Law enforcement, firefighters, and the state’s wildlife agency are monitoring the water.

A 14ft hammerhead shark was sighted off Santa Rosa Beach on Saturday, as reported by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s not uncommon for sharks to be present in the Gulf, the authorities stated, advising swimmers and beachgoers to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.

Small fish traveling in schools near the shore at this time of year may be a contributing factor to the attacks, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

Red and purple flags are being used to warn swimmers.

“Purple flags indicate the presence of dangerous marine life and single red flags indicate high hazard conditions,” mentioned the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

There were 69 unprovoked shark bites worldwide last year, with 10 of them being fatal, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File.

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