Boater in Florida seriously injured in shark attack

FOX News reporter Danamarie McNicholl takes us to the Florida Panhandle and explains what local authorities are doing after three shark attacks over the weekend.

FERNANDINA BEACH, Florida – A man boating along the Florida coast on Friday became the latest victim of a shark attack when the animal bit the boater’s arm, causing serious injuries, according to authorities.

The incident occurred before noon local time on the Amelia River, south of the Florida-Georgia border.

According to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the man was part of a group of people fishing when the shark was brought onto the boat and the attack occurred.

After receiving an emergency call, a water police officer responded and a deputy sheriff was able to slow the bleeding by applying a tourniquet.

“When they got to the boat, it was an adult male who had a severe shark bite on his forearm. He lost a lot of blood,” said Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper.

After reaching a nearby boat ramp, the man was flown by helicopter to a hospital near Jacksonville, where he was reportedly recovering.

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Nassau County, Florida

(Nassau County Sheriff’s Office / FOX Weather)

The incident marks at least the fourth shark attack in Florida since the start of meteorological summer; three incidents already occurred along the Panhandle in early June.

All three victims were in shallow water northwest of Panama City Beach when the attacks occurred.

Because the attacks occurred so close together, Walton County authorities sought advice from marine experts to determine whether the incidents were part of a larger pattern, but no connection could be established.

The Sunshine State sees nearly two dozen unprovoked attacks each year, many of which occur along the Central Florida coast.

Another state that has seen a recent increase in shark attacks is Hawaii, with at least six cases reported since the beginning of the year.

In one of the attacks, Tamayo Perry, a well-known surfer and actor, was killed by a shark while surfing near Goat Island off the island of Oahu.

Despite the news of recent attacks, incidents involving the giant fish are still considered rare: According to global data from the International Shark Attack File of the Florida Museum of Natural History, there are 63 attacks each year.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission always advises swimmers and surfers to stay out of the water during twilight, as this is when sharks are most active.

Beachgoers are also advised not to enter the water if they have an open wound or are wearing shiny jewelry, as both can attract sharks.

Many beach lifeguards use purple flags to indicate the presence of dangerous marine life such as jellyfish, stingrays or sharks.