Authorities reported that three surfers suffered shark bites within a span of about two hours on Sunday at New Smyrna Beach in Florida.
Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Senior Capt. Tamra Marris, according to NBC News, said: Around 10:40 Sunday morning, a 43-year-old man from Longwood, Florida, was bitten around the ankle or lower leg area. At 11 a.m. a 36-year-old man was bitten in both hands in the same area, according to Marris. Finally, a 16-year-old boy was bitten on his inner thigh around 1 p.m.
The teen had only minor injuries and wasn’t given medical treatment, but the other two victims suffered major lacerations and were hospitalized. The 36-year-old needed reconstructive surgery to treat the injuries to his hands, according to WFTV 9 reports. None of the surfers' injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
According to the National Geographic Channel, New Smyrna is the shark bite capital of the world, with more attacks than any other beach. Anyone who has swum there is estimated to have been within 10 feet of a shark whether they know it or not.
Experienced surfer Doug Watson said that sharks are nothing new in the area. “You’re going to see them,” he told WFTV. “It’s part of it. You just respect them.” Signs near the entrance to the beach warn beachgoers that “dangerous marine life has been spotted in this area.”
On Sunday, Volusia County Beach Safety officials were advising beachgoers to stay in water no deeper than their knees for their safety. The shark bites occurred just south of the New Smyrna jetty, which is a popular surfing location.