12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head

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Beachgoers at Hilton Head Island looking concerned after shark bite incident

News Summary

A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a Savannah hospital after suffering serious leg injuries that are consistent with a suspected shark bite at Sea Pines beach. The incident has raised safety concerns among beachgoers as the summer beach season begins. Local authorities confirmed her injuries are not life-threatening, and she is expected to survive. This shocking event marked the first reported possible shark bite of the season, prompting officials to remind beachgoers to stay vigilant regarding ocean safety.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after a suspected shark bite occurred at Sea Pines beach on Tuesday, June 17. The incident happened around 12:07 p.m. near Marker 24, raising concerns among beachgoers as the summer season begins.

Emergency officials reported that the girl sustained significant leg injuries consistent with lacerations typically associated with a shark bite. Initial reports indicate she lost a substantial amount of blood; however, her injuries were confirmed not to be life-threatening according to first responder audio from the scene. The girl received on-scene medical treatment from Shore Beach Services and personnel from Hilton Head Fire Rescue before being transported to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia for further care. Local authorities have stated that she is expected to survive her injuries.

The shocking incident caught the attention of beachgoers in the area, particularly at nearby Coligny Beach, prompting expressions of concern about safety. As the first reported possible shark bite of the summer season in Hilton Head, officials from Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue have urged beachgoers to be vigilant, stay aware of their surroundings, and keep informed about beach conditions.

Shark attacks are rare but can occur, particularly in oceans where sharks are present. Hilton Head typically experiences two to three shark attacks annually, with occasional spikes during the peak swimming season. A troubling parallel occurred earlier this month when a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel was severely injured in a shark incident near Boca Grande, Florida.

According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 88 alleged shark attacks globally in 2024, with 47 classified as unprovoked and four resulting in fatalities. Such statistics underline the importance of awareness for bathers and swimmers in ocean waters.

The identity of the injured girl has not been disclosed, pending the release of further information from authorities. The emergency response team’s efficient handling of the incident highlights the preparedness of local services in addressing such critical situations.

As the summer progresses, the Hilton Head community and visitors alike will be watching for updates regarding safety measures and beach conditions to ensure a secure environment for all beachgoers. The recent event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that come with ocean recreation, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness in natural habitats where wildlife is present.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Shark Bite Incident Injures Girl Off Hilton Head Island
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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
Francis Marion Softball Team Records Impressive Doubleheader Sweep

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...

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