News Summary
A 12-year-old girl has been airlifted to a medical facility in Savannah, Georgia after sustaining major injuries from a suspected shark bite off the coast of Hilton Head Island. First responders treated the girl for significant lacerations to her leg, while officials confirmed that her injuries are non-life-threatening. This incident is the first reported shark bite of the summer season at Hilton Head, raising safety concerns among beachgoers.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted after sustaining major injuries from a suspected shark bite on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The incident occurred in the waters off the south end of Hilton Head Island, near beach mile marker 24 in the Sea Pines area.
First responders were called to the scene around 12:07 p.m. to treat the girl, who suffered significant lacerations to her leg consistent with those typically associated with a shark bite. Although she lost a considerable amount of blood, officials confirmed that her injuries were non-life-threatening.
After receiving initial treatment from Shore Beach Services and Hilton Head Fire Rescue, the girl was transported to Hilton Head Island Airport. There, a medical helicopter airlifted her to a medical facility in Savannah, Georgia, for further evaluation and care.
This shark attack marks the first reported likely shark bite of the summer season at Hilton Head. Historically, the area typically reports between two to three shark attacks annually, although some years have seen spikes of up to six incidents. The girl’s identity has not been released, nor has any information related to her current condition following the airlift.
Beachgoers expressed increased concern for their safety following this incident, particularly in light of another child, 9-year-old Leah Lendel, who was bitten by a shark in Florida on June 11. Leah’s injuries were severe, and she underwent surgery after nearly losing her hand. Concerns about shark attacks have been heightened with two incidents involving children occurring within just a few weeks, emphasizing the need for vigilance along coastal waters.
Despite the fear that might arise from these incidents, shark bites remain relatively rare overall. In 2024, the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) documented 47 unprovoked shark attacks across the globe, which included four fatalities. That year, researchers noted 88 alleged shark-human interactions worldwide. South Carolina, in particular, has averaged about four shark bite incidents per year, making each occurrence a cause for concern but not a common threat.
The last confirmed fatality from a shark attack in South Carolina occurred in the 1840s, underscoring the rarity of deadly encounters with sharks in the region. While the presence of sharks in ocean waters is a well-known fact, the likelihood of unprovoked shark attacks remains minimal.
As recovery efforts continue for the young victim of this incident, it serves as a reminder for beachgoers to stay informed about safety guidelines while enjoying coastal activities. Public officials advise swimming in groups, avoiding waters with fishing activity, and refraining from wearing shiny jewelry, which can attract sharks.
Authorities will continue to monitor the coastal area following this recent attack and encourage the public to remain alert while enjoying the summer beaches, promoting safety alongside their recreational activities.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- New York Post
- Google Search: Shark Attack
- WJCL News
- Google Scholar: Shark Attacks
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark Attack
- Greenville Online
- Google News: Shark Attack South Carolina
