Shark Bite Incident on Hilton Head Island Leaves Girl Injured

Lifeguards monitoring the beach on Hilton Head Island.

News Summary

A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after sustaining serious lacerations due to a shark bite on Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred at Marker 24 in the Sea Pines area, marking the first shark bite reported this summer. Fortunately, her injuries are not life-threatening. Local experts warn of increased shark activity as the seal population returns, advising beachgoers to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital following a shark bite incident on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The attack occurred around noon on Tuesday at Marker 24 in the Sea Pines area.

The Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue department reported that the girl sustained serious lacerations to her leg, indicative of a shark bite. Emergency dispatch reports disclosed that she had lost a significant amount of blood due to the injury.

After initial medical treatment provided by Shore Beach Services and Hilton Head Fire Rescue, the girl was airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, for further evaluation and care. Fortunately, officials confirmed that her injuries were not life-threatening, and she is expected to survive the incident.

This unfortunate event marks the first reported shark bite of the busy summer season on Hilton Head Island, an area popular with vacationers and beachgoers. Local experts emphasize that the presence of sharks in coastal waters may increase during this time, particularly as white sharks approach the shore, drawn by the presence of the returning seal population.

Dr. Greg Skomal, a shark biologist, discussed the relationship between the seal population and shark activity in the area. Last year, Hilton Head reported three similar shark bite incidents in July, highlighting the potential for increased encounters during the peak summer months.

Local charter captain Chip Michalove indicated that Hilton Head typically averages two to three shark bites annually, with some years experiencing spikes of up to six incidents. These encounters often involve smaller blacktip sharks, which feed near the shore and may occasionally bite swimmers inadvertently.

To enhance beach safety, lifeguards on Hilton Head Island are trained to observe warning signs of nearby shark activity. Indicators such as fish jumping out of the water or birds diving into the sea can suggest the presence of sharks and help prevent potential incidents.

The summer beach season brings a substantial increase in visitors to Hilton Head Island, raising concerns among some beachgoers following this incident. One visitor described the situation as “nerve-racking,” reflecting a mixture of anxiety and caution as more people flock to the beaches.

In light of the recent shark bite, Hilton Head Island officials have urged beachgoers to stay vigilant and informed about local water conditions. Authorities emphasize the importance of awareness when swimming or engaging in water activities, as this can greatly enhance safety during the summer season.

This recent incident serves as a reminder for beach visitors to be cautious and to understand the dynamics of the coastal ecosystem they enjoy while on vacation. Observing local advisories and heeding lifeguard warnings can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the beach.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
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Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island, Victim Airlifted
Beachgoer Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bite Incident Reported on Hilton Head Island
Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE 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.

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