Three shark attacks in a day rock Florida Panhandle
Shemar-Leslie Louisy / Our Today
The sun-kissed Florida Panhandle experienced three shark attacks in a single day.
The first incident transpired around 1:20 p.m. off WaterSound Beach.
A 45-year-old woman swimming near a sandbar was attacked. Witnesses reported that she had ventured beyond the second sandbar, an area noted for its depth and the presence of marine predators.
The woman sustained severe injuries to her midsection and lost part of her left arm, with some reports suggesting her entire left hand was bitten off. Her husband pulled her from the water, and she was subsequently rushed to HCA Fort Walton Destin Hospital in critical condition.
Ninety minutes later, another attack occurred near Seagrove Beach, roughly four miles from the first incident.
Two teenage girls, aged 15 and 17, were playing near a sandbar in waist-deep water when a shark attacked. One girl suffered critical injuries, losing part of her arm, while the other received a bite to her foot. The critically injured girl was airlifted to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital, and the other was taken to Ascension Bay Medical Center, where she was stabilised.
Authorities suspect a single bull shark, a species known for its aggressive behaviour, is responsible for both attacks.
The panhandle has a history of shark encounters, though such a cluster of attacks in one day is unprecedented. The last reported attack in the area occurred in 2021.
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