News Summary
A woman was airlifted to a Savannah hospital after suffering a non-life-threatening shark bite on Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred near the beach at Marker 24 in Sea Pines, where she sustained an injury to her leg. Beach safety measures have been increased following the first likely shark bite of the summer season, raising concerns among visitors. Hilton Head lifeguards will continue to patrol the waters to ensure safety, while the situation develops with updates expected on the victim’s condition and further precautions.
Hilton Head Island
A woman was airlifted to a hospital in Savannah after suffering a shark bite on Hilton Head Island on Tuesday. The incident took place around noon at Marker 24 in Sea Pines, where the victim was reportedly bitten in the waters near the beach.
The woman sustained an injury to her leg, which was described as non-life-threatening. Initial treatment was administered at the scene by Shore Beach Service and Hilton Head Fire-Rescue personnel. After receiving on-site care, the victim was transported to the Hilton Head Island Airport and subsequently airlifted for further medical evaluation and treatment.
The specific extent of the woman’s injuries remains unknown at this time, though they align with typical shark bite injuries. This incident marks the first likely shark bite of the summer season for Hilton Head Island, raising safety concerns among local beachgoers.
Previous Incidents and Shark Bite Statistics
Last summer, the beach patrol recorded a total of three similar incidents throughout the month of July. On average, Hilton Head experiences two to three shark bites annually, with occasional spikes that can result in as many as six bites in a single year.
Despite the notable events, the majority of shark encounters across South Carolina and the nation are non-fatal. Blacktip sharks, a smaller species known for their behavior near shorelines while feeding, are frequently involved in these incidents.
Safety Measures and Monitoring
Hilton Head lifeguards actively monitor the waters for signs of nearby sharks, including the behavior of fish and birds, which can indicate the presence of sharks in the area. During peak beach season, more than 60 lifeguards patrol the island’s 13.5 miles of coastline to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
Following the shark bite incident, many beach visitors expressed shock and concern for their safety, prompting local authorities to remind individuals to remain vigilant while enjoying the beach.
Ongoing Developments
The situation is still developing, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available regarding the victim’s condition and any further safety measures that may be implemented in response to the incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shark Bite Incident Reported on Hilton Head Island
Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Exploring the Shark Species of Beaufort County
Shark Sightings Increase Along South Carolina Beaches as Tourists Enjoy the Summer Sun
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Shark Bite Incident
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- WTOC: Hilton Head Island Shark Bite Response
- Google Search: Hilton Head shark bite
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Shark Bite Report
- Google Scholar: Shark Bite Treatment
- WSAV: Reported Shark Attack on Hilton Head Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- WYFF4: Shark Bite in Sea Pines
- Google News: Hilton Head shark incidents
- WIS TV: Airlift After Shark Bite in Hilton Head
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
