News Summary
A 12-year-old girl was airlifted after sustaining injuries from a shark bite while swimming off Hilton Head Island. Local rescue teams responded quickly, and despite significant blood loss, her injuries were ruled non-life-threatening. This incident raises concerns among beachgoers, being the second shark bite of a child in the region recently. Experts recommend enhanced safety measures as shark bites remain relatively rare despite increasing frequency in various locations. Authorities are emphasizing awareness of shark safety at local beaches to ensure a safe environment for summer visitors.
South Carolina
A 12-year-old girl was airlifted from Hilton Head Island after sustaining injuries from a shark bite on June 17, 2025. The incident occurred in the waters off Sea Pines, prompting a swift response from local rescue teams.
The Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue team reported that the girl suffered a leg injury characterized by lacerations consistent with shark bites. First responders noted that she had lost a significant amount of blood before receiving on-scene treatment from both Shore Beach Services and Fire Rescue personnel. Following initial care, the girl was transported via airlift to a medical facility in Savannah, Georgia, for further treatment. Fortunately, authorities indicated that her injuries were not life-threatening.
This event marks the second shark bite involving a child in the region within a short span, raising concerns among beachgoers. Just days earlier, on June 11, a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel was bitten by a shark while snorkeling near Boca Grande, Florida, where she almost lost her hand. Like the recent incident, Leah was also airlifted to a hospital, specifically Tampa General Hospital, where she underwent multiple surgeries to reattach her hand and spent several days in the intensive care unit.
The series of attacks has left residents and visitors feeling uneasy about swimming in the ocean as summer begins. Beachgoers described the situation as unsettling, noting the increased frequency of such incidents. In 2024, the International Shark Attack File documented 71 shark bite incidents worldwide, with 47 categorized as unprovoked. Among these cases, four resulted in fatalities. In South Carolina, the average number of shark bites per year is around four to five, with the state historically having no recorded shark attack fatalities since the 1840s, according to marine biologist Bryan Frazier.
Experts explain that shark bites often occur due to mistaken identity, where sharks misinterpret human limbs as potential prey. To reduce the risk of such encounters, lifeguards and public safety officials have been proactive in advising swimmers on safety measures. A significant number of lifeguards, totaling 60, patrol the beaches of Hilton Head Island during the summer season, enhancing the area’s safety amid rising concerns.
Officials continue to encourage awareness around shark safety, emphasizing that while shark bites can happen, they remain a rare occurrence. With the support of local emergency services and ongoing research into shark behavior, the aim is to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer experience for visitors to the region’s picturesque beaches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- CBS News
- Google Search: Shark Attacks Hilton Head
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Shark Attack Statistics
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- ABC News
- Google News: Shark Attacks
Author: HERE Greenwood
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