Shark attacks reported on South Padre Island in Texas; 2 people bitten, at least 1 seriously

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (AP) — Shark attacks disrupted Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations on South Padre Island on Thursday, as two people were taken to the hospital with bites, at least one of them severe, authorities said.

According to South Padre Island City Clerk Nikki Soto, police were called to the attack on the man, who was severely bitten, around 11 a.m. He was initially treated on the beach by firefighters and police.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department later said in a statement that two people were bitten and two others “encountered” the shark but were not seriously injured. One of the bite victims was taken to a Brownsville hospital and the other was “flown out for further treatment.”

Based on witness statements and images on social media, authorities believe that a single shark measuring approximately 1.8 meters in length was responsible for the incident, according to game warden Captain Chris Dowdy.

Beach patrols, firefighters and police patrolled the coast and flew drones after the attacks, Soto said.

The last reported shark attack in the area occurred five years ago, according to Dowdy.

Texas Parks & Wildlife is assisting with the investigation.