News Summary
A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after a shark attack in Hilton Head Island, SC. She suffered significant injuries to her lower right leg. Medical authorities report her injuries are severe but not life-threatening, following an incident that marks a worrying trend with recent other attacks involving children. Local officials urge beachgoers to remain cautious of marine wildlife during the summer season.
Hilton Head Island, SC – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital following a shark attack that occurred in the waters off Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The incident took place around 12 p.m. local time on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
The girl suffered significant injuries to her lower right leg, consistent with lacerations typically associated with shark bites, as confirmed by Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue. Initial treatment was administered onsite by Shore Beach Services and Fire Rescue staff before she was transported to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, nearly 40 miles away.
According to authorities, the girl’s injuries, while severe, were classified as not life-threatening. Audio from a first responder dispatch revealed that the victim was conscious and breathing at the scene, although she had lost a considerable amount of blood due to the injury.
The lower leg injury was specifically noted to be located just below the kneecap. As of now, the girl’s identity remains undisclosed to the public.
This attack marks a troubling trend, occurring just days after a similar incident in which a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel lost her hand while snorkeling in Boca Grande, Florida, on June 11, 2025. Leah underwent a lengthy emergency surgery and spent several days in intensive care. She recounted her harrowing experience, explaining that the attack took place while she was attempting to breathe underwater.
Shark encounters, while rare, are a concern for beachgoers, particularly during the summer months when more people flock to coastal areas. In 2024, the International Shark Attack File reported a total of 47 unprovoked shark attacks globally, four of which resulted in fatalities. This incident may represent South Carolina’s first reported shark attack of 2025.
Statistics indicate that South Carolina experiences an average of four shark bites per year. The last confirmed fatality due to a shark attack in the state occurred in the 1840s, highlighting that while encounters do happen, they are infrequent and rarely result in death.
Popular shark species commonly found in South Carolina waters include the Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, bonnethead, and finetooth sharks. Less frequently encountered are bull sharks and tiger sharks. Local officials and marine experts urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to the presence of these sharks, particularly during peak recreational seasons.
As investigations into the circumstances of this recent attack continue and the medical condition of the victim stabilizes, community members and parents are reminded to prioritize safety while enjoying the ocean, recognizing the potential presence of marine wildlife.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Shark Bite in South Carolina
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
Shark Attack Injures Beachgoer at Hilton Head Island
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted to Hospital After Shark Bite Incident
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Airlifts 12-Year-Old Girl After Shark Attack
Beach Safety Guidelines for Families in Hilton Head
Shark Bite Incident on Hilton Head Island Leaves Girl Injured
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
Additional Resources
- People: 12-Year-Old Girl Attacked by Shark in South Carolina
- Greenville Online: How Many Shark Bites Occur in SC a Year?
- CBS News: Shark Attack in Hilton Head, SC
- USA Today: Shark Attack at Hilton Head’s Sea Pines Beach
- WBTV: Person Airlifted After Reported Shark Bite in SC
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- Google Search: Shark Bite Statistics South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Shark Attacks Sea Pines Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- Google News: Shark Attack
