Multiple people were attacked by sharks across two states while celebrating the 4th of July.
A shark attack occurred in South Padre Island, Texas, with three people getting bitten, while another individual was the victim of a shark bite in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
The shark from the Texas incident was eventually found and “pushed out to deep water,” according to Fire Chief Jim Pigg, who revealed that there were two shark bite occurrences at different times and locations.
“It’s unprecedented here on South Padre Island,” he said, per NBC.
Police first responded to a 911 call reporting a “severe shark bite to the leg.” Pigg said the first call was about someone with a bite and a second person who sustained minor injuries and did not need emergency care.
A second 911 call led to two bite victims being found and taken to hospital.
Videos Have Surfaced Following Texas Shark Attack
Eyewitness Kyle Jud said he saw a woman pulled from the water with her calf “just gone.” Jud also posted a video of a shark in the water while a helicopter and boat patrolled the area.
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“Beach patrol lifted her up — her calf was just gone, shredded. Horrific,” he remarked.
“Shark encounters of this nature are not a common occurrence in Texas,” the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said. “When bites from sharks do occur, they are usually a case of mistaken identity by sharks looking for food.”
There were no other sightings after the animal was located and pushed back into deep water.
As mentioned above, another person was bitten by a shark in Florida. According to interim director of Volusia County Beach Safety, Tamra Malphurs, a 21-year-old male was attacked while playing football in knee-deep water on Thursday afternoon.
The man, a visitor from Ohio, was taken to the hospital. His injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening.
