Two separate shark attacks within hours of each other along the same beach in North Carolina on Sunday left two kids seriously injured, each with at least an arm bitten off.
Emergency personnel took both victims from the beach at Oak Island to New Hanover Regional Medical Center where they were listed in fair condition,
according to WNCN-TV.
The double shark attacks stunned community leaders who urged people to stay out of the water until they could monitor the coastline for more sharks,
noted ABC News.
"Oak Island is still a safe place," said town manager Tim Holloman, adding there had never been an incident in 16 years he's been there. "We're monitoring the situation. This is highly unusual. The Brunswick County Sheriff's department will have Marine One and their helicopter support to monitor the coastline for any activities tomorrow."
A 12-year-old girl was attacked just after 4 p.m.
"We have somebody. … shark, a shark attack," a caller told a 911 operator. Another person took over the phone conversation after that, noted WNCN-TV.
"(The) family is in too much shock. There's a girl whose hand has been bitten off. We need an ambulance right away," the person told the operator.
"(We) confirmed that she has lost part of her left arm and may lose her left leg," Oak Island mayor Betty Wallace said in a
Facebook post after the first attack. "She and her family are not residents, but relatives of theirs are (Oak Island) residents. … Please keep this girl and her family in your prayers."
A second call about a shark attack was received by 911 two hours later from the same beach, but about two miles away, involving a 16-year-old boy, reported WNCN-TV.
"His arm is gone," a caller told the 911 operator.
An emergency official later told 911 "(His) left arm is completely missing, bite to the left leg, weak pulse."
"Every agency has mobilized its resources to address the situation and our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this time," Holloman told
WECT-TV. Officials said they would hold a news conference at 1 p.m. Monday but noted that Brunswick County beaches would be open to swimmers.
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