Just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, two teenagers in two separate incidents were attacked by sharks (one confirmed, one alleged) on Monday in New York.
The first was a 15-year-old girl who was swimming at Robert Moses State Park in Long Island, when she was bitten by something on Monday around 1:45pm. Then, nearby at Kismet Beach, another 15-year-old surfer was attacked by a confirmed shark while surfing at 5:20pm. In that one, the boy suffered puncture wounds to his feet and toes.
Check out the report from NBC’s Today show below:
“This morning, fresh shark fears off the coast of New York,” says the reporter, “prompting new warnings for beachgoers heading out to celebrate the July 4th holiday.
“Two incidents happening just seven miles apart. On Monday, Long Island Police responded to calls of a shark attack at Kismet Beach on Fire Island. Police say a 15-year-old boy was surfing when he was bitten, puncturing his left heel and toes.”
In a press briefing, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison said:
“He was able to swim to shore where our marine bureau and a good samaritan were able to assist him, and get him over to a local hospital where he is recovering with non-life-threatening injuries.”
Then, back to the reporter:
“Earlier in the day, at Robert Moses State Park, officials say a 15-year-old girl was treated for three small bite wounds on her left leg. It’s unknown what bit her. Authorities say a state parks’ drone was immediately deployed, but unable to detect any ‘dangerous marine life’ including sharks in the area.”
Although shark attacks are rare on these shores, officials say there has been an increase of sightings and encounters in recent years.
“You know the University of Miami looked at this question in 2022,” said one reporter from the sand, “and they thought that maybe sharks would stay clear from busy beaches. But what they found was that sharks are actually attracted to all that hustle and bustle, but they aren’t interested in biting people. The sharks just wanna swim with you, so grab your surfboard and head out!”
To which, a reporter from the news desk responded:
“Not so much, but thank you for the invitation.”
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