Four beachgoers suffered injuries in a series of shark attacks that occurred on July 4th off the coast of South Padre Island, Texas. The incidents, which took place within a two-hour span along Beach Access 14, involved a single shark believed to be approximately 6 feet long. One male victim sustained severe leg injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
South Padre Island, Texas - Multiple people were injured in a shark attack while swimming off the coast of South Padre Island on the Fourth of July, authorities confirmed.
Shark Attacks Injure Multiple Swimmers on Texas Beach
The South Padre Island Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area confirmed to Fox News Digital that four people were injured during the encounter with the ocean predator on South Padre Island, located on the state's southern coast.
Police reported that the attacks occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time along Beach Access 14, near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill. First responders from the South Padre Island police and the fire department provided treatment at the scene before one of the male victims was transported to a nearby hospital with severe leg injuries. A police spokesperson did not provide an update on the man's condition. Information on the three other incidents was not immediately available.
Shark Attacks Injure Multiple Swimmers on Texas Beach
Game Warden Capt. Chris Dowdy told The Associated Press that the attacks happened within a two-hour span along the beach. Based on witness reports and images on social media, Dowdy said, authorities believe a single shark about 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) long was responsible.
Video posted on social media appeared to show a badly injured person being pulled ashore following the attack. Blood could be seen in the water as panicked beachgoers burst into tears. Several bystanders appeared to collect a belt to use as a tourniquet.
Shark Attacks Injure Multiple Swimmers on Texas Beach
Law enforcement officials are patrolling the shore for sharks. The U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area released a statement advising swimmers to be aware of their surroundings and to swim in groups.
"Swimmers should be aware of their surroundings and avoid swimming alone. If you see a shark, do not approach it and swim away slowly," the statement said.
The incident highlights the need for beachgoers to be aware of the潜在 risk of shark attacks, even in shallow waters. While shark attacks are relatively rare, they can occur in any coastal area where sharks are present.
Experts recommend taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of a shark encounter:
* Swim in groups. Sharks are less likely to attack a group of swimmers than a single individual.
* Avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to be present.
* Do not swim near fishing boats or areas where fish are being cleaned.
* Do not swim in murky water or at night.
* If you see a shark, do not approach it. Swim away slowly and calmly.
* Do not harass or provoke sharks.
