News Summary
A swimmer was airlifted to a Savannah hospital after suffering non-life-threatening injuries from an apparent shark bite near Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred just after noon, prompting swift response from local fire rescue and beach services. This marks the first reported likely shark bite of the summer season, a time typically marked by an influx of beachgoers. Officials are urging beach visitors to stay vigilant regarding potential marine activity as summer progresses.
Hilton Head Island – A swimmer was airlifted to a Savannah hospital on June 17, 2025, after suffering non-life-threatening injuries from an apparent shark bite near Sea Pines at marker 24. The incident occurred shortly after noon, prompting immediate medical attention from Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and Shore Beach Services personnel on the scene.
The victim was treated on the beach before being transported to Hilton Head Airport, where he was airlifted to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment. Specific details regarding the victim’s identity or condition have not been released at this time. Fire and rescue officials indicated that the injuries appeared to be consistent with a shark bite, particularly noting an injury to the victim’s leg.
This incident marks the first reported likely shark bite of Hilton Head Island’s busy summer season, which typically sees an influx of visitors to the area’s beaches. In 2024, the United States recorded a total of 28 unprovoked shark bites, the highest figure worldwide for that year. South Carolina was involved in two of these incidents, both of which did not result in fatalities.
Shark bites are categorized as incredibly rare events. In 2024, only 47 unprovoked shark bites were reported globally. The average number of annual shark bites between 2019 and 2023 stood at 64 worldwide. Experts in marine biology suggest that many shark bites result from mistaken identity, as sharks do not typically view humans as prey.
On Hilton Head Island, local statistics reveal an average of two to three shark bites each year, although there are occasional spikes that can reach up to six incidents in a season. Charter captain Chip Michalove noted that blacktip sharks, which are commonly found near shorelines, usually account for these encounters. This added to the surprise of beachgoers, as such incidents can unsettle the typically enjoyable beach atmosphere, especially during high tourist seasons.
In response to the potential for shark encounters, lifeguards on Hilton Head Island actively monitor shark activity along the beaches. They have also undergone training to recognize signs of nearby sharks and undertake measures to ensure safety for swimmers and surfers alike.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL News
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- WTOC News
- Google Search: Shark Bite Hilton Head
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Shark Attacks
- WSAV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark Behaviors
- WYFF4 News
- Google News: Hilton Head Shark Bite
