News Summary
A woman sustained injuries from a suspected shark attack on Hilton Head Island, as the area reports two attacks in less than a week. Emergency responders treated her leg injury before airlifting her to a Savannah medical facility. This incident follows a recent shark bite on a teenager at Coligny Beach Park, raising awareness about shark encounters in the region. Local authorities continue to emphasize safety precautions for beachgoers to minimize risks associated with shark interactions.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A beachgoer sustained injuries in a suspected shark attack on Hilton Head Island, marking a troubling event as the area grapples with two reported shark attacks in less than a week. The incident occurred off the coast of the south end of the island on Tuesday around noon.
Emergency responders from Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue reported that the victim was a woman who suffered a leg injury consistent with shark lacerations. Local rescue crews were dispatched to beach marker 24 in the Sea Pines Beach area at approximately 12:07 p.m. Following initial treatment at the scene, the victim was transported to Hilton Head Island Airport and subsequently airlifted to a medical facility in Savannah for further care. The identity and current condition of the patient have not been disclosed due to privacy regulations.
The recent shark attack follows another alarming incident on June 22, when a teenage girl was bitten while swimming at Coligny Beach Park, also on Hilton Head. Her injuries consisted of leg lacerations, which were thankfully non-life-threatening. This incident occurred near an active lifeguard station, highlighting the constant vigilance necessary in beach areas known for their wildlife.
Prior to these incidents, a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel suffered severe hand injuries from a shark bite while snorkeling along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Lendel’s injuries were extensive, requiring multiple surgeries, including artery grafts, bone reconstruction, and nerve repair. Despite her traumatic experience, she has expressed a desire to return to the water once fully recovered.
These incidents have raised awareness about shark encounters in Hilton Head, which are relatively rare but not unheard of. The recent attack on Tuesday marks the area’s first confirmed shark encounter of 2025. South Carolina waters are known for their various shark species, with an average of four reported shark bites occurring annually in the state. Despite this, officials stress that the actual occurrence of shark bites is exceedingly rare and advocate for a realistic perspective about public fear surrounding these marine predators.
It is significant to note that the last confirmed fatal shark attack in South Carolina took place in the 1840s, suggesting that although the waters host numerous sharks, they are not typically aggressive towards humans. The increase in reports of shark interactions during the warmer months often correlates with heightened human activity in the water as more beachgoers flock to popular ocean destinations.
Local authorities are reiterating the importance of safety precautions while swimming or participating in water sports. They encourage beachgoers to remain vigilant and adhere to posted warnings or advisories in place to minimize the risk of shark encounters.
As the summer season continues, residents and visitors to Hilton Head Island are reminded to respect the local marine environment and stay informed about safety measures when enjoying the ocean. As encounters with sharks remain a point of concern and curiosity, education and awareness are key components in ensuring safety on the water.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Second Shark Attack Reported at Hilton Head
- AOL: Beaches with the Most Shark Attacks on Americans
- Fox Weather: Hilton Head Island Shark Attacks
- WSAV: Multiple Hilton Head Island Shark Bites Lead to Safety Questions
- ABC News: 2 Shark Attacks Reported at Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- Google Search: Shark Attacks in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Shark Attacks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- Google News: Shark Attack News
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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.
