Hilton Head Island, SC, August 9, 2025
News Summary
A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to Savannah, Georgia, after a shark bite while swimming near Sea Pines in Hilton Head Island. The girl’s leg injury mirrored typical shark attack lacerations, leading to significant blood loss, though her injuries were non-life-threatening. This incident follows another shark bite involving a teen girl at Coligny Beach Park just days earlier. Despite the rarity of such events, concerns are rising among beachgoers as summer approaches, with local authorities emphasizing safety measures when swimming.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to Savannah, Georgia, after suffering a shark bite while swimming near Sea Pines on Tuesday. The girl sustained a leg injury that authorities confirmed resembled typical lacerations from a shark attack. First responders noted that she had lost a significant amount of blood but her injuries were deemed not life-threatening.
This incident marks the second shark bite involving a child on Hilton Head Island in less than a week. On June 22, a teen girl was bitten at Coligny Beach Park, also resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. Both attacks have raised concerns among beachgoers as families approach the summer vacation season.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources highlighted that shark bites are quite rare in the state, with only about four confirmed incidents occurring annually. The last known fatal shark attack in South Carolina took place in the 1840s, highlighting the unusual nature of these occurrences.
In a separate incident reported earlier, a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel was attacked while snorkeling near Boca Grande, Florida, on June 11. Leah was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital after sustaining severe injuries to her hand, requiring multiple surgeries to reattach her hand. Witnesses indicated that Leah did not see the shark prior to being bitten, as she described feeling a sudden, hard impact.
According to research, unprovoked shark attacks, while rare, have been verified through investigations of 88 alleged shark-human interactions in 2024. Of these, 71 were confirmed to involve bites, with 47 classified as unprovoked and four resulting in fatalities.
The surge in shark attacks has led to safety reminders for those visiting beaches, especially as families embark on summer vacations. It’s essential for beachgoers to be cautious and aware of their surroundings while swimming or snorkeling.
The coastal waters of South Carolina are home to several common shark species, including Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, bonnethead, and finetooth sharks, along with the less frequently observed bull sharks and tiger sharks. Despite the potential for shark encounters, the odds of a person being involved in a shark attack are estimated to be 1 in 11.5 million.
Key Details of Recent Shark Attacks
- Date of 12-year-old girl’s attack: June 22, 2023
- Location: Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Injury type: Leg lacerations
- Status: Airlifted to Savannah, GA; injuries not life-threatening
- Date of 9-year-old’s attack: June 11, 2023
- Location: Boca Grande, FL
- Injury type: Severe hand injuries
- Status: Airlifted; underwent intensive surgeries
Frequently Asked Questions
What should beachgoers do to stay safe from shark encounters?
It’s essential for swimmers to be aware of their surroundings, avoid swimming alone, and refrain from swimming during dusk or dawn when sharks are more active.
How common are shark attacks in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources estimates about four shark attacks occur each year, showcasing their rarity.
What types of sharks are common in South Carolina waters?
Common species include Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, bonnethead, and finetooth sharks, along with occasional bull and tiger sharks.
What are the odds of a shark attack occurring?
The odds of being involved in a shark encounter are approximately 1 in 11.5 million.
Summary Chart
| Incident | Date | Location | Age of Victim | Injury Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Shark Attack | June 22, 2023 | Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, SC | 12 | Leg lacerations | Airlifted to Savannah, GA |
| Second Shark Attack | June 11, 2023 | Boca Grande, FL | 9 | Severe hand injuries | Airlifted to Tampa General Hospital |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tropical Storm Debby Causes Devastation Across Southeastern U.S.
Hilton Head Island’s Role in Shark Conservation
Hilton Head Island Reports Multiple Shark Bites
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Shark Bite in South Carolina
Shark Attack Injures Woman on Hilton Head Island
Shark Population Surge Challenges Hilton Head Fishermen
Hilton Head Island Woman Escapes Assault Thanks to Smartphone
12-Year-Old Girl Injured in Shark Attack on Hilton Head Island
12-Year-Old Girl Injured in Shark Attack at Hilton Head
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Second Shark Attack Reported at Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Shark attack
- Fox Weather: Shark Attacks at Hilton Head Island
- Google Search: Shark attacks Hilton Head
- ABC News: Shark Attacks Reported at Hilton Head Island
- Google Scholar: Shark attacks statistics
- CBS News: Shark Attack in Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark Attacks
- WTOC: Shark Bite Incident at Hilton Head Island
- Google News: Hilton Head shark attack
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.
