News Summary
Hilton Head Island has witnessed two shark attacks within a week, injuring a 12-year-old girl and a teenage girl. Both sustained leg lacerations from the bites, prompting local authorities to prioritize beach safety. The first incident led to an airlift to a hospital while the second occurred in front of a lifeguard. Beach officials are urging visitors to stay vigilant and raised purple flags to signal dangerous marine life. The incidents have raised alarms about the increasing number of shark attacks nationally.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Two separate shark attacks have occurred on Hilton Head Island within just one week, resulting in injuries to a 12-year-old girl and a teenage girl. The incidents, both involving leg lacerations consistent with shark bites, have raised concerns about beach safety and prompted local officials to remind the public to remain vigilant while swimming in coastal waters.
The first attack transpired on June 17, when a 12-year-old girl was bitten while enjoying the water. Following the incident, emergency responders attended to her on-site, and she was found conscious but had lost a considerable amount of blood. She was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, where she was treated for her injuries, which were described as non-life-threatening and located on her lower right leg, just below the kneecap.
The second attack occurred on June 22 at around 12 p.m. at Coligny Beach Park. This time, it was a teenage girl who sustained similar leg lacerations due to a shark bite. Like the first girl, she was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries, which were also confirmed to be non-life-threatening. Notably, this attack happened near a lifeguard and in front of a beach path, which underlines the importance of timely assistance during such emergencies.
In the wake of these incidents, beach authorities quickly cleared the waters in both directions for half a mile to ensure the safety of other beachgoers. Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue responded efficiently, providing immediate medical care at the scene.
Officials have highlighted the dynamic nature of beach environments where conditions can change rapidly. They urge anyone visiting the area to be cautious and comply with safety guidelines to minimize the risks associated with encounters with sharks. In this regard, purple flags have been raised on the beach to alert visitors of the presence of dangerous marine life, including sharks.
The occurrences on Hilton Head Island are significant, as they mark the first time two shark bites have been reported within a single week. This matches the annual totals for unprovoked shark bites previously recorded in South Carolina. Since records began in 1837, the county has experienced a total of 30 reported unprovoked shark attacks, emphasizing the rarity but seriousness of such incidents.
Statistics from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) indicate a troubling long-term trend of rising shark attacks, which often correlate with increasing beach attendance. Nationally, there have been 47 reported unprovoked shark attacks in 2024, including four fatalities. This highlights a pressing need for educational efforts regarding the behaviors of sharks and how to avoid dangerous encounters.
Recent incidents of shark attacks extend beyond Hilton Head. For instance, on June 11, a 9-year-old girl in Boca Grande, Florida, was reported to have lost part of her hand while snorkeling. This adds to a growing list of sharks encounters on the nation’s beaches this summer, raising alarm among beach communities.
As the summer season continues, local officials encourage everyone visiting the waters to be aware of their surroundings, respect safety measures, and stay informed about potential risks associated with swimming in the ocean. With the safety of beachgoers in mind, communities are working diligently to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shark Bites Raise Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Reports Two Shark Attacks in Under a Week
Hilton Head Island Faces Increased Shark Attack Concerns
Shark Bite Incident at Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island
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
Additional Resources
- ABC News: 2 Shark Attacks Reported on Hilton Head Island
- Fox News: Serene Southern Vacation Town Reports 2nd Shark Attack
- WSAV: Multiple Hilton Head Island Shark Bites Lead to Safety Questions
- People: Girl, 12, Attacked by Shark in South Carolina
- WJCL: Coligny Beach Shark Bite Incident
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island
- Google Scholar: Shark Attacks Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- Google News: Shark Attacks
