Woman loses forearm, two teens injured in shark attacks in Walton County

In a joint press conference on Friday afternoon South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson released details of two separate shark attacks that occurred early this morning in Walton County, Florida.

• The incidents, which occurred within a radius of six kilometres from each other, left numerous victims with serious injuries.

The first attack occurred around 1:20 p.m. near Founder’s Lane in Watersound Beach. A 45-year-old woman, who was swimming with her husband just past the first sandbar, suffered significant injuries to her midsection and pelvis and had to have her left forearm amputated.

• Lifeguards and deputies responded immediatelycared for the patient before she was handed over to firefighter paramedics. She was then transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.

The second incident, The incident was reported at 2:56 p.m. near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach and involved two female victims between the ages of 15 and 17, according to Police Chief Crawford.

The group swam just inside the first sandbar when the attack occurred. The first victim sustained severe injuries to an upper and lower extremity that required the application of tourniquets. She was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola, in critical condition.

• The second victim suffered lacerations to his right foot and was taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in stable condition.

Chef Crawford stressed how rare this situation is, explaining: “There are marine creatures out there. This is their habitat. Unfortunately, when you invade their habitat, these kinds of things can happen, as rare as they are.”

• Sheriff Adkinson addressed the unusual nature of the attacks, saying: “It is rare, extremely rare, that there are three victims in one day. We understand that. But we have to make sure that we also use our judgment.”

In response to the attacks Authorities have closed the waters to swimming within a two-mile radius of the accident site. Experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota have been contacted to investigate possible anomalies.

Both Chief Crawford and Sheriff Adkinson praised the quick response of lifeguards, sheriff’s deputies and medically trained local residents who immediately provided care to the victims. They also praised the smooth coordination between the South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Walton Air Rescue in handling the incidents.

While the shark species in question Although no cause for the attacks has been identified, authorities acknowledge that sharing waters with marine life poses an inherent risk.

The decision to reopen the beaches will be reassessed tomorrow. In the meantime, authorities urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and obey beach flags and closures for their own safety.