WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – A series of shark attacks in Walton County, Florida, on Friday, has left beachgoers and officials on high alert. Two separate incidents occurred within hours of each other, resulting in injuries to three individuals and prompting the temporary closure of beaches in the area.
The first attack took place in the afternoon near Watersound Beach, where a 45-year-old woman swimming with her husband was severely injured by a shark.
She suffered significant trauma to her midsection and pelvic area, along with the amputation of her left lower arm. The victim was airlifted to a nearby trauma center and remains in critical condition.
Read: Two Great White Sharks Ping Off Florida Coast As Northern Migration Underway: OCEARCH
Just over an hour later, another attack occurred near Seacrest Beach, involving two teenage girls. The girls, aged 15 and 17, were swimming with friends when they were bitten by a shark.
One girl sustained significant injuries to her upper leg and hand, while the other suffered a minor wound to her foot. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Following these attacks, authorities immediately closed the waters in the affected areas and are working with shark experts to determine the cause of the unusual spate of incidents. While shark attacks are rare in Walton County, these back-to-back occurrences have raised concerns about potential contributing factors.
“We experienced two separate incidents earlier this afternoon in relative proximity to one another, about four miles apart and within an hour and a half from one another,” South Walton Fire District Fire Chief Ryan Crawford said.
Read: Understanding Shark Attacks In Florida And Mitigating Risks
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson stated during a press conference, “We are working with experts to determine if there are any atypical circumstances that may have contributed to these attacks. While shark attacks are rare, they are not unheard of, and we want to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.”
The beaches in Walton County remain closed until further notice, and officials urge the public to exercise caution and follow any posted warnings or instructions. The investigation into the attacks is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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