A nine-year-old girl is in critical condition following a shark attack on Wednesday while snorkeling near Boca Grande on Florida's west coast, according to local authorities. Identified as Leah Lendel, the young girl was enjoying a beach day with her family when the unexpected incident occurred.
The attack took place in the 2200 block of Shore Lane, shortly before noon. According to a family statement, Leah had dipped her head underwater to explore the sea floor and screamed upon resurfacing. Her mother, only a few feet away watching her other two young children, noticed Leah's right hand was bleeding heavily and severely injured. Her father, who was further out with two other siblings, swam swiftly to the shore.
Despite the seriousness of her injury, Leah managed to walk to the shore on her own, where construction workers and a good Samaritan immediately assisted by using t-shirts to control the bleeding. C.W. Blosser III, the Boca Grande Fire Department Chief, confirmed that the injuries were consistent with a shark bite, although no shark was seen in the area during the rescue.
Due to the severity of her wounds, Leah was airlifted to a hospital in Tampa, where she underwent a six-hour surgery. Doctors successfully reconstructed her hand, using arteries from her leg to restore blood flow and placing pins in her bones. Her mother reported that Leah is now able to move her fingers, though she remains under medical observation.
Local authorities have urged beachgoers to exercise extreme caution in open water areas. The fire chief noted that while such incidents in the area are rare, they are not unheard of. "When you get a call like this, you always hope for the best and prepare for the worst," remarked Blosser.
Recently, an intriguing sighting captured attention along Florida's west coast, near Tampa, where a drone filmed two large sharks swimming calmly in shallow waters. The remarkable event was documented on Friday by local drone operator John Yanchoris near Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands in Pinellas County.
Back in April, a man was airlifted after being bitten by a shark in Everglades National Park, Monroe County. This incident, which occurred near Flamingo Beach, prompted a swift response from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR), with paramedics providing urgent care and transporting the victim to Jackson South Medical Center in South Miami.
Similarly, in January, the sighting of a large shark caused alarm among local residents. While shark sightings are common in South Florida, the presence of this predator so close to the shore raised concerns. The shark, possibly a mako or shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), lingered in the area for several days, displaying unusual behavior that intrigued both locals and scientists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Encounters in Florida
What should you do if you encounter a shark while swimming?
If you encounter a shark, remain calm and try not to make sudden movements. Slowly back away from the shark while keeping it in sight. Avoid splashing and leave the water as calmly and quickly as possible.
How common are shark attacks in Florida?
Shark attacks in Florida are relatively rare, with the state averaging around 20-30 unprovoked attacks per year. While encounters are infrequent, it's important to remain vigilant, especially in known shark habitats.
How can swimmers reduce the risk of a shark encounter?
To reduce the risk of encountering a shark, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, stay in groups, avoid wearing shiny jewelry, and avoid areas where there are schools of fish or seals.