Shark attacks disrupt July 4th on South Padre Island, Texas

Several shark attacks – one of which was classified as serious by authorities – marred the Fourth of July holiday for bathers off the coast of South Texas.

The worst bite, off the coast of South Padre Island, occurred around 11 a.m. Thursday, according to the Associated Press. The victim was treated at the scene by firefighters and then taken to a local hospital. His condition was unknown Thursday evening.

Witnesses said the fish that attacked the man was about two meters long. It is unclear what type of shark was responsible.

Three more shark attacks were reported within two hours on Thursday, said wildlife warden Captain Chris Dowdy, pointing out that the last attack in the area was five years ago.

Officials patrolled the beaches throughout the day and deployed drones over the water to monitor the shorelines.

In March, a 13-foot-long great white shark was spotted near South Padre Island, according to local radio station KNFM. The 3,000-pound predator reportedly came within 300 feet of the beach.

With News Wire Services