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Child Bitten By Shark At North Carolina Beach

Author Melanie Day

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare when they are at the beach. A child was bitten by a shark at Oak Island North Carolina yesterday. According to a press release by Oak Island Police, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 23rd at approximately 3:00 PM. The call came in to the Oak Island Police Department about a shark bite. The incident took place near the SE 46th Street Beach Access Location.

The child bitten was a 9-year-old boy. The press release reveals that his family reports the child was with another family member in water about 2 to 3 feet deep. They report noticing “small fish jumping out of the water nearby”. In hindsight, we can presume this was due to the presence of a shark.  Shortly after noticing the fish, the child was bitten on his front shoulder. Officials speculate that the bite occurred from either a juvenile or a small species of shark.

The bite, thankful, was minor enough that the family was able to drive the child to the hospital instead of calling for an ambulance. The press release states that the child was taken to Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport. He was treated for a small wound and later released. No stitches were needed to close the bite, indicating that it was indeed pretty minor.

Oak Island Police believe this to have been an isolated incident. They report that the Beach Services Unit is keeping a close eye on the surf for the time being. When these incidents occur they get a lot of press (guilty) the truth is the odds of being bitten by a shark in North Carolina or anywhere else, are extremely low. However, you should always keep an eye on your surroundings when you are in the water, after all, you’re swimming in their home.

North & South Carolina Named Most Shark Filled Waters in the World

Yikes! I know Shark Week is over, but this story got my attention quickly. Every year, around shark week and during the busy summer months, reports come out about sharks. Whether it’s what to do if you see a shark, reports of shark attacks, and where the sharks most likely are. When the summer comes and the beaches get a bit busier, patrol spikes more and everyone is on alert for sharks. I am not a big beach water fan, I will go to enjoy the scenery and layout but actually getting into the water, it’s a no for me.

CNN is reporting some of the most shark-filled waters across the world. Just last year, over 50 unprovoked shark attacks were reported, according to CNN. So, what does this all mean? Using data on reported shark attacks, we’re looking at what areas had the most shark attacks over some years. Unfortunately, both North and South Carolina made the list with quite a bit of shark attacks over the last few years. Below will only show what US states made the list, but to check out the full report click here.

  • Florida (259 bites)

    Of course, Florida was going to make this list. With the state being a peninsula, majority of its coast is nothing but water. Specifically, Florida’s Volusia County is the prime location for shark attacks and sightings across the state. Official reports state that between 2pm and 3 pm on a September afternoon is prime time for sharks in the area. So, be careful!

  • Hawaii (76 bites)

    Another spot that of course has tons of water around it, the island of Hawaii made the list as well. With 76 shark bites, the island of Maui is one of the top places in Hawaii for shark encounters. The under water terrain that the area has to offer is a huge attraction for shark visits. Just this past May, a tiger shark attacked a fisherman in shallow water in a kayak. Scary!

    https://fb.watch/mlZ3DB3pjI/

  • South Carolina (45 bites)

    Here we are talking about the Carolinas. South Carolina making the list with reports of 45 shark bites over the years. Fortunately, none of the unprovoked 45 shark attacks were deadly in South Carolina. Major cities when it comes to these attacks are Charleston, Beufort, and Horry (Myrtle Beach area).  South Carolina has tons of beautiful beaches but sharks are certainly randomly placed in shallow ends of the areas as well.

  • California (29 bites)

    Did you know San Diego is one of shark bite peak spots in California? Out of the 29 bites, 20 of the shark bites were unprovoked attacks. Although stats show they shark attacks are at a peak in the summer, they can happen throughout the year over there as well.

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.

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