Shark Bite Incident Injures Girl Off Hilton Head Island

News Summary

A 12-year-old girl sustained injuries from a shark bite near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on June 17. The girl suffered significant blood loss and was airlifted to a Savannah hospital, but her injuries are not life-threatening. This marks the second child shark bite incident in recent weeks, raising concerns among beachgoers as summer approaches. Experts have noted that shark activity typically spikes during this season, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and safety measures at local beaches.

Hilton Head Island

A 12-year-old girl was injured in a shark bite incident off the coast of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on June 17, 2025. The attack took place in the waters near Sea Pines at approximately mile marker 24, marking a concerning event for beachgoers as summer approaches.

Emergency responders reported that the girl suffered a leg injury consistent with lacerations typical of a shark bite, leading to significant blood loss. First aid was administered on-site by personnel from Shore Beach Services and Fire Rescue, who subsequently airlifted her to a medical facility in Savannah, Georgia. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that her injuries are not life-threatening, providing some reassurance to concerned family and friends.

This incident is the second shark bite reported involving a child in recent weeks. Earlier, on June 11, a nine-year-old girl named Leah Lendel was bitten near Boca Grande, Florida. Leah suffered severe injuries, nearly losing her hand, and underwent a series of intensive surgeries to reattach it. Such incidents have raised alarms among beachgoers, who describe the occurrences as an unsettling start to the summer season.

Shark Bite Statistics and Patterns

Although unprovoked shark attacks are rare, the International Shark Attack File documented 71 confirmed shark bite incidents worldwide in 2024. Out of these, 47 were categorized as unprovoked, resulting in four fatalities. Locally, officials from Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue report that this shark bite is the first likely instance of the summer season.

In terms of local trends, certain patterns have emerged regarding shark activity along the South Carolina coastline. Mike Wagner, director of Shore Beach Services, stated that Hilton Head usually experiences two to three shark incidents each year, with the possibility of spikes during the summer months. Local charter captain Chip Michalove pointed out that blacktip sharks are primarily responsible for most shark attacks due to their feeding behavior near shorelines, which can inadvertently lead to dangerous encounters with swimmers.

Safety Measures and Awareness

In light of these recent events, Hilton Head Beach properties employ a beach patrol agency staffed with over 60 lifeguards tasked with monitoring a stretch of 13.5 miles of beaches. The lifeguards are trained to observe signs of shark presence, such as fish jumping out of the water and birds diving, which could signal the proximity of aggressive marine life.

The presence of lifeguards plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of beachgoers. Their training and awareness contribute substantially to the overall safety measures currently in place at Hilton Head Island, aimed at minimizing potential shark incidents. However, despite these precautions, the unpredictability inherent in natural environments means that vigilance remains essential.

As summer unfolds, the local community is urged to stay informed about sea conditions and shark activity while enjoying the ocean’s offerings. With heightened awareness and precautionary measures in place, both locals and visitors can help ensure their safety while engaging in water-based activities along the picturesque beaches of Hilton Head Island.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite Incident on Hilton Head
Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island, Victim Airlifted
Beachgoer Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bite Incident Reported on Hilton Head Island
Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Exploring the Shark Species of Beaufort County

Additional Resources

• CBS News
• Wikipedia: Shark Attack
• USA Today
• Google Search: Shark Attacks
• Island Packet
• Google Scholar: Shark Attack Statistics
• WJCL
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark Behavior
• WYFF
• Google News: Hilton Head Shark Attack