News Summary
A shark bite was reported at Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island, with a teenager sustaining injuries in the second incident of the week. In contrast, a 12-year-old girl was airlifted for medical assistance after her shark bite just days earlier. Fortunately, both victims are expected to recover, while lifeguards acted quickly to secure the beach area. Authorities note an increasing trend in unprovoked shark bites at the popular tourist destination and emphasize safety measures for beachgoers.
Hilton Head Island, SC – A shark bite was reported at a popular beach on Hilton Head Island on Sunday, June 22, marking the second such incident in less than a week. The earlier bite occurred on Wednesday, June 17.
The most recent incident took place at Coligny Beach Park, a public beach known for its family-friendly atmosphere and fronted by a lifeguard stand. The victim of Sunday’s attack is a teenager who suffered a laceration on her leg consistent with a shark bite. Fortunately, she is expected to survive following medical treatment.
In contrast, the first victim, a 12-year-old girl, required airlift to a hospital after her bite. Like the teenager, she is also expected to make a full recovery. Lifeguards at Coligny Beach Park responded quickly to the incident, clearing the water for half a mile in each direction before re-opening it a couple of hours later.
Both shark bites fall into a category described by experts as “unprovoked.” This term refers to interactions between humans and sharks that are not initiated by human activity. In 2024, the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) reported 88 shark attacks globally, of which 47 were classified as unprovoked. Remarkably, only four of these incidents resulted in fatalities.
Authorities have expressed that the specific circumstances surrounding the two recent bites remain unclear. However, they note that Hilton Head Island has experienced a growing trend in shark bites, with an average of two to three incidents reported each year. This number can occasionally spike, reaching up to six bites in a single year.
Many experts suggest that blacktip sharks, a relatively small species, are often involved in these encounters due to their feeding patterns near shorelines. These sharks are known to be active in areas frequented by beachgoers, leading to potential interactions.
To enhance beach safety, lifeguards on Hilton Head Island are trained to recognize possible threats to swimmers. They monitor for signs such as fish jumping from the water or birds diving, which may indicate the presence of sharks nearby. Additionally, colored flags are displayed on the beaches to inform the public about prevailing conditions: a purple flag signals dangerous marine life, a red flag warns of rough conditions, and a yellow flag indicates moderate conditions.
Hilton Head Island is a prime summer destination, currently ranking No. 1 among South Carolina’s best beaches in vacation rankings. With its family-oriented atmosphere and scenic beaches, it attracts many visitors each year. However, incidents like these remind beachgoers to remain vigilant and informed about marine life while enjoying the summer sun.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage visitors to heed lifeguard warnings and observe flag conditions during their outings at the beach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shark Bites Reported at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Shark Attacks Raise Alarm on Hilton Head Island
Two Shark Bite Incidents Reported on Hilton Head Island
Rising Shark Bite Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Increase in Shark Sightings and Bites at Hilton Head Island
Second Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Experiences Two Shark Bite Incidents
Swimmer Hospitalized After Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Recent Shark Bite Incidents on Hilton Head Island Raise Concerns
12-Year-Old Girl Survives Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Teen Girl Injured After Second Reported Shark Bite Incident
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- Fox News: Second Shark Attack
- Google Search: Shark Attack Statistics
- ABC News: Shark Attacks on Hilton Head Island
- Google Scholar: Unprovoked Shark Attacks
- Island Packet: Shark Attacks Reported
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- WSAV: Multiple HHI Shark Bites
- Google News: Shark Bites Hilton Head Island
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.
