4 swimmers attacked by a shark on the shores of South Padre Island on July 4th

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Warm sea waters in the Gulf could lead to a number of shark attacks. The most recent incident occurred when four swimmers were attacked in Texas within two hours on July 4.

Witnesses estimated the shark to be about 6 feet long when it was spotted swimming in the surf off South Padre Island at Beach Access 14 near the Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill around 11 a.m. CT Thursday.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) said two people were bitten and two others were struck by the shark, but no serious injuries were reported. Authorities believe the same shark was responsible for all of the attacks. City officials told FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth one of the victims suffered a “severe shark bite” to the leg.

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The two people bitten were taken to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville. One of them is currently being treated, while the other was flown in by helicopter for further medical care.

Following the attacks, lifeguards on the beach urged people to avoid the water or only go in knee-deep. The area was also monitored by helicopters and drones.

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South Padre Island Fire Chief Jim Pigg told FOX 4 that there have been unprecedented shark attacks in the area.

“The shark was located on the south end of the island and was pushed into deeper water,” he said. “This is a very rare occurrence that happens on the beaches of South Padre. There have been no further sightings or encounters in the last few hours, but we remain vigilant.”

The TPWD adds that shark bites are usually a case of mistaken identity by sharks searching for food.

“If you see large schools of bait near shore, that’s usually an indication that a predator is nearby,” state wildlife officials point out. “If you see a shark in the water, calmly exit the water and wait for the predator to pass.”