12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Shark Bite off Hilton Head Island
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a Savannah hospital on Tuesday after being bitten by a shark while swimming near the Sea Pines area of Hilton Head Island, according to local emergency officials.
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue reported the child sustained a leg injury with lacerations consistent with a shark bite. Dispatch audio obtained by CBS News captured a first responder stating the girl had “lost a good amount of blood” before she was flown for treatment.
Immediate Response and Medical Care
Shore Beach Services and Fire Rescue crews provided on-scene first aid before arranging an airlift to Savannah, Georgia. Authorities confirmed that the injuries were serious but not life-threatening, and the girl is expected to recover.
This marks the second shark bite involving a child in just over a week. On June 11, nine-year-old Leah Lendel was bitten while snorkeling near Boca Grande, Florida, nearly losing her hand. She underwent intensive surgeries at Tampa General Hospital.
Rare but Alarming Incidents
While the attacks have unsettled beachgoers, experts emphasize that unprovoked shark bites remain rare. In 2024, researchers with the International Shark Attack File confirmed 71 shark bites worldwide, 47 of which were unprovoked. Four of those were fatal.
Hilton Head visitor Naomi Vereb told WTOC the back-to-back attacks are “kind of nerve-racking” for families starting their summer vacations.
Safety Awareness for Summer Visitors
Officials encourage swimmers to be vigilant, avoid wearing shiny jewelry in the water, and stay in groups, as sharks are less likely to approach larger gatherings of people. With tourist season in full swing, lifeguards and beach patrols are on heightened alert.
Have you ever had a close encounter with marine wildlife while swimming? Share your experience in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
