Shark attacks on South Padre Island leave four injured

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – On July 4, four people were injured in shark attacks on South Padre Island.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Service, two of the injured were humans who were bitten by sharks.

The city said one of the victims suffered a “severe shark bite” to the leg.

The other two people were injured in the “encounter” with the sharks, but not seriously.

Both bitten people were taken to hospital.

South Padre Fire Department, Texas Game Wardens and Department of Public Safety officials responded to the beach.

South Padre Island’s fire chief says shark attacks are unprecedented in the area.

“The shark was found on the south end of the island and pushed into deeper water. 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,” said Chief Jim Pigg.

The fire chief said that after the attacks, lifeguards on the beach asked people not to go into the water or at least to only go in knee-deep.

Officers patrolled the area with helicopters and drones.