By Peter Vankevich
Ocracoke beach on Wednesday became the seventh confirmed shark attack this season in North Carolina. The average has been only one or two attacks per year in the state. There have also been three attacks in South Carolina so far this year.
According to Hyde County Information Officer, Sarah Johnson, the Hyde County Emergency Medical Services Department received a call approximately at 12:15 p.m. from lifeguards on duty at the National Park Service Day Use Area (locally referred to as Lifeguard Beach) on Ocracoke regarding an injured swimmer.
The National Park Service immediately issued the following news release:
Visitor Injured from Shark Bite While Swimming on Ocracoke Island, NC
Ocracoke, NC – Around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, the National Park Service (NPS) received a report from the Hyde County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch that Ocracoke EMS, Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department first responders, Hyde County Sheriff’s Officers, NPS rangers and NPS lifeguards were responding to an injured person on the beach near Ocracoke lifeguarded beach.
Rescue Squad first responders and NPS Rangers and lifeguards responded and found a 68-year-old male who had sustained injuries from a shark. He had been swimming in about 25- 30 feet offshore in about waist-deep water with his adult son. There were no other swimmers injured. The victim received various injuries to his left lower torso and hip, lower left leg, and both hands. He was treated at the scene and then transported by ambulance to the Ocracoke Airport for transport by East Care Airflight to Pitt Memorial, in Greenville, NC for further care.
There are many inherent dangers while swimming in ocean or sound waters. Swimmers are advised to be aware of conditions and their surroundings.
At this time, the beaches remain open.
NBC News recently issued a story, Why North Carolina Is Facing a ‘Perfect Storm’ for Shark Attacks. This can be seen by clicking here.
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