12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted to Hospital After Shark Bite Incident

News Summary

A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital following a shark bite while swimming at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The incident on June 17 resulted in serious leg injuries, and although not life-threatening, required immediate medical attention. First responders acted swiftly to stabilize her condition at the scene before she was transported to Savannah for further treatment. This is the first reported shark bite of the summer season on the island, bringing attention to safety precautions for beachgoers amidst increasing shark sightings.

12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted to Hospital After Shark Bite Incident at Hilton Head Island

A 12-year-old girl has been airlifted to a hospital following a suspected shark attack off the south end of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at approximately 12:07 p.m., resulted in significant injuries to the girl’s leg, consistent with wounds typically caused by a shark.

Local rescue crews responded to a medical emergency call at beach marker 24 in the Sea Pines Beach area. Firefighters and lifeguards provided initial medical assistance to the victim at the scene. Due to the seriousness of her injuries, which included a substantial loss of blood, she was transported to Hilton Head Island Airport. From there, she was airlifted to a medical facility in Savannah, Georgia, for further treatment. Authorities have indicated that while her injuries were severe, they were not life-threatening. However, local officials have not disclosed her identity or current condition due to privacy regulations.

Background and Context

This incident represents the first reported shark bite of Hilton Head’s summer season. Historically, the region has seen approximately two to three shark attacks each year. Officials emphasize that while shark bites are uncommon, they can occur under specific circumstances, particularly given the island’s proximity to local marine wildlife.

Just days prior to this incident, a similar attack took place on June 11, 2025, involving a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Leah was snorkeling when she sustained severe injuries that nearly resulted in the loss of her hand. Her treatment involved multiple surgeries, including artery grafts and nerve repair, underscoring the potential severity of such incidents.

Experts have pointed out that an increase in shark sightings close to shore may be attributed to a resurgence in local seal populations, which are a food source for sharks. The International Shark Attack File reported a total of 88 alleged shark-human interactions in 2024, which included 71 confirmed shark bite incidents, of which 47 were classified as unprovoked attacks.

First responders on Hilton Head Island acted quickly by activating a medical emergency response to ensure prompt treatment for the victim. Their rapid response was crucial in managing the severity of her injuries and facilitating her timely transport to a healthcare facility.

The local community remains on alert following this incident, and beachgoers are encouraged to observe safety precautions while enjoying the water. The south end of Hilton Head Island continues to be a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, despite the rare occurrences of shark interactions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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
Beachgoer Hospitalized After Shark Attack in Hilton Head
Shark Bite Incident Injures Girl Off Hilton Head Island
Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite Incident on Hilton Head
Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island, Victim Airlifted

Additional Resources

• Fox News: Two Shark Attacks Reported
• Wikipedia: Shark Attacks
• CBS News: Shark Attack in Hilton Head
• Google Search: Shark Attack Hilton Head
• USA Today: Shark Attack at Sea Pines Beach
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
• WSOC TV: Woman Airlifted After Shark Bite
• Google News: Shark Attacks South Carolina