Florida: Red alert after three shark attacks in one day in which a woman lost an arm

NEW DELHI: In a shocking turn of events, three shark attacks occurred within a single day on the same stretch of coast in the Florida Panhandle, leaving a woman seriously injured and two teenage girls injured. The 45-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries that led to the amputation of part of her left arm. The teenage girls, aged 15 and 17, were also injured, with one of them suffering significant injuries to her thigh and hand.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office temporarily closed the beaches and is actively patrolling the waters following the incidents. They have since reopened but are urging swimmers to always be cautious and be aware of their surroundings. The department said in a Facebook post: “This morning, officers spotted a 14-foot hammerhead shark from the boat east of South County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach – which is NOT unusual. We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and beachgoers should exercise caution while swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”

Authorities have placed red and purple flags on the beach to warn swimmers of the high level of danger and dangerous marine life. In another Facebook post, the sheriff’s office reminded visitors: “Remember, we are guests in the Gulf (of Mexico).”

Two doctors, Ryan Forbess and Mohammad Ali, who were vacationing together, happened to be in the water during the attacks and provided potentially life-saving care to the injured girl. They worked with other paramedics and trauma nurses who were on the scene to help the injured victim. Forbess noted, “It was incredible. Somehow it was just God’s will that everyone was there at the same time to help.”

Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr., stressed that such incidents are rare: “This is an anomaly … from the three victims to the situation. All we can do is react, control the situation and contain it as best we can.” The last shark attack in the county was reported in 2021, the last fatal attack occurred in 2005.