Woman injured in suspected shark attack while swimming at popular summer vacation destination
About the blog
  • Nature & Wildlife, Travel
  • 2 mins
  • Fox Weather

A woman suffered non-life-threatening leg injuries in a suspected shark encounter off Martha’s Vineyard, prompting a temporary swimming suspension.

THE TAKEAWAY

EDGARTOWN, Mass. – A woman suffered a leg injury while swimming off Martha’s Vineyard in what authorities suspect was a shark attack.

A woman in her mid-20s sustained wounds consistent with a marine-animal bite, possibly from a shark, while swimming at South Beach at Norton Point around 1:40 p.m. Monday, according to the Town of Edgartown.

Although no shark or other marine animal was seen or confirmed, the nature of the injuries pointed to the predator made famously feared by Jaws — a film shot on Martha’s Vineyard decades ago.

AFTER GREAT WHITE SHARK ATTACK, AUSTRALIA'S DOUBLES DOWN ON DRONE SHARK PATROLS

The woman’s injuries were not life-threatening and did not involve the loss of a limb. She was transported to a hospital after receiving immediate care from local first responders, officials said.

In accordance with Edgartown’s shark protocol, swimming at South Beach was suspended for several hours as a precaution following the suspected shark encounter.

EYES IN THE SKY: NYPD USES DRONES TO TRACK SHARKS OFF NEW YORK CITY BEACHES

"The Town appreciates the prompt response of emergency personnel and beach staff," Town Administrator James M. Hagerty said in a press release. "Beachgoers are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings while in the water and to comply with instructions from lifeguards and any posted beach advisories."

Massachusetts is no stranger to sharks, but sightings and research have been concentrated primarily around Cape Cod, where great white sharks are seasonal residents, according to the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

GREAT WHITE SHARK PULLS LIFEGUARD UNDERWATER AT POPULAR FAMILY BEACH DESTINATION ON THE EAST COAST

The species is also known to travel through waters around Martha’s Vineyard and the other islands, making the suspected encounter at South Beach notable.

The post Woman injured in suspected shark attack while swimming at popular summer vacation destination appeared first on Fox Weather