WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA – The waters off Walton County, Florida, have been closed following two shark bite incidents that occurred consecutively on Friday. Both incidents took place in Walton County, though the exact distance from the land remains uncertain, according to McKenzie McClintock, the South Walton Fire District PIO. South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford reported that the two incidents happened about 4 miles apart within approximately 90 minutes, resulting in three victims in total. Crawford noted during an evening briefing that it was highly uncommon for two shark bite incidents to occur in such quick succession.
One of the incidents involved a 45-year-old woman who sustained injuries during the first reported shark attack at Watersound in the area of Founders Way in Watersound Beach. The woman, swimming with her husband beyond the first sandbar, suffered significant trauma to her midsection, pelvic area, and had her left lower arm amputated. She was rushed to a medical center in critical condition. Following this attack, double red flags were raised in surrounding beach areas to alert of the danger, and the Gulf in Walton County was closed to the public as a precaution.
Shortly after, a second shark incident took place at Sandy Shores Court area off Seacrest Beach, again in Walton County. Two females between the ages of 15 and 17 were victims of this attack, both positioned inside the first sandbar, similar to the first incident. One victim sustained severe injuries to her upper and lower extremities and was transported to a trauma center in critical condition, while the other victim suffered flesh wounds to her right foot and is currently in stable condition. Walton County Sheriff Mike Atkinson praised the quick responses of citizens and first responders, noting that the women in critical condition have a “fighting chance.”
As a result of the back-to-back shark attacks, the water in all of Walton County was closed to the public. Officials are uncertain about the specific shark species involved in the incidents, but acknowledge the presence of sharks in the area’s waters. They plan to reassess the situation on Saturday before allowing people back into the water. In an effort to better understand the circumstances surrounding the dual attacks, experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota, Florida, have been consulted. Atkinson expressed doubts about there being anything unusual about the incidents.
The community remains on alert as officials work to ensure the safety of beachgoers and swimmers in Walton County, Florida. The rare occurrence of two shark attacks in a single afternoon has raised concerns and prompted swift action to prevent further incidents.