Watersound Beach, located in Walton County, Florida, became the site of two separate shark attacks on Friday, leaving three swimmers injured, including two teenagers. As authorities responded to the incidents, they revealed that one victim had to undergo amputation of part of her left arm, while another sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
The first attack involved a 45-year-old woman who was swimming with her husband past a sandbar when she was bitten by a shark, resulting in severe trauma to her midsection. Shortly after, in a location just four miles away at Seacrest Beach, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl were also attacked while in waist-deep water with friends near the first sandbar.
Following the incidents, Walton County officials took precautionary measures by ordering beach closures, although the closures were not fully enforced in time to prevent the second attack. It was noted that the process of changing beach warning flags along the coastline to indicate danger would have taken too long to prevent the subsequent attack on the teenagers.
Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. of Walton County informed reporters that such shark attacks are rare in the area, with the last incident occurring in 2021 and the last fatality related to a shark attack dating back to 2005. Despite the unusual nature of the situation involving three victims, authorities are focused on responding, controlling the situation, and mitigating further risks.
In light of the incidents, Walton County authorities have sought assistance from ocean wildlife experts at Mote Marine in Pensacola, Florida, to aid in the investigation of the shark attacks. The community is on alert as they work to ensure the safety of beachgoers and gather information to prevent future incidents.