Two people remain hospitalized in Florida after separate shark attacks at neighboring beaches. The incidents occurred at Water Sound Beach and Seacrest Beach, popular tourist destinations located between Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida.
The first attack involved a 45-year-old woman who suffered significant injuries, including the loss of part of her arm. The second attack, which occurred less than two hours later, involved two teenage girls. One girl sustained injuries to her upper and lower extremities, while the other had minor wounds on her foot.
Officials are investigating the cause of the attacks, which took place within four miles of each other. While shark attacks are rare in the area, the proximity and timing of these incidents have raised concerns.
The Walton County Sheriff's Office Marine unit is closely monitoring the shoreline following the attacks. They reported spotting a 14-foot hammerhead shark in Santa Rosa Beach, although such sightings are not uncommon.
Prior to these incidents, the last shark attack in the area occurred in 2021, involving a 14-year-old boy who survived. The most recent fatal attack dates back to 2005 when a 14-year-old girl was pulled under by a shark while boogie boarding.
Despite these incidents, the risk of shark attacks remains extremely low. Florida, however, leads global statistics in the number of reported shark bites, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's annual shark attack report.
