Anyone have any updates on the shark attack victims today, especially the woman that lost the lower part of her arm. Hope she survives. And the two teenage girls also.
Watersound & Inlet Beach shark attack in Walton County Florida
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Walton County Sheriff's Office
Saturday June 8
The Walton County Sheriff's Office Beach Marine Unit continues to monitor the shoreline and the beaches Saturday following Friday's incidents involving sharks in Walton County.
Deputies spotted a 14-foot hammerhead east of South County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach this morning from the boat - which is NOT uncommon.
We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and beachgoers should be cautious when swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Red and purple flags are flying in Walton County out of an abundance of caution.
We're here if you need us.
Saturday June 8
The Walton County Sheriff's Office Beach Marine Unit continues to monitor the shoreline and the beaches Saturday following Friday's incidents involving sharks in Walton County.
Deputies spotted a 14-foot hammerhead east of South County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach this morning from the boat - which is NOT uncommon.
We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and beachgoers should be cautious when swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Red and purple flags are flying in Walton County out of an abundance of caution.
We're here if you need us.
Don't go past the sandbars? Sometimes, the sandbars look too far out, anyway. I also don't like big waves, even if it is 'just' a yellow flag. I almost prefer bringing my chair up to the water and enjoying it that way. So sorry that this has happened. Have heard too many sad vacation stories. Thinking of those hurt and their families. We will be back again to Seaside in September and will be even more cautious than usual. Ellen
In a joint press conference on Friday afternoon, South Walton Fire Control District Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson provided details about two separate shark attacks that occurred in Walton County, Florida, earlier today.
The incidents, which took place within four miles from each other, have left multiple victims with severe injuries.
The first attack occurred around 1:20 p.m. near Founder’s Lane in Watersound Beach. A 45-year-old female, who was swimming just past the first sandbar with her husband, suffered significant trauma to her midsection, pelvic area, and the amputation of her left lower arm.
Lifeguards and deputies immediately responded, providing care before transferring the patient to firefighter paramedics. She was then transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.
The second incident, reported at 2:56 p.m. near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, involved two female victims between the ages of 15 and 17, according to Chief Crawford.
The group was swimming just inside the first sandbar when the attack occurred. The first victim suffered severe injuries to one upper and one lower extremity, requiring the application of tourniquets. She was transported in critical condition to Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola.
The second victim sustained flesh wounds to her right foot and was taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in stable condition.
WCSO
Chief Crawford emphasized the rarity of the situation, stating, “Marine life is out there. That’s their environment. when you go into their environment, unfortunately, as rare as these things are, these things can happen.”
Sheriff Adkinson addressed the unusual nature of the attacks, saying, “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day. We understand that. But we need to make sure that we’re also using good judgment.”
In response to the attacks, authorities have closed the water to swimming for a two-mile radius around the incident sites. Experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota have been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
Both Chief Crawford and Sheriff Adkinson commended the swift actions of lifeguards, deputies, and nearby citizens with medical training who provided immediate care to the victims. They also praised the seamless coordination between the South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and Walton Air Rescue in handling the incidents.
While the specific species of sharks involved in the attacks has not been identified, authorities acknowledge that sharing the water with marine life is an inherent risk.
The decision to reopen the beaches will be reevaluated tomorrow. In the meantime, authorities urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and comply with beach flags and closures for their own safety.
The incidents, which took place within four miles from each other, have left multiple victims with severe injuries.
The first attack occurred around 1:20 p.m. near Founder’s Lane in Watersound Beach. A 45-year-old female, who was swimming just past the first sandbar with her husband, suffered significant trauma to her midsection, pelvic area, and the amputation of her left lower arm.
Lifeguards and deputies immediately responded, providing care before transferring the patient to firefighter paramedics. She was then transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.
The second incident, reported at 2:56 p.m. near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, involved two female victims between the ages of 15 and 17, according to Chief Crawford.
The group was swimming just inside the first sandbar when the attack occurred. The first victim suffered severe injuries to one upper and one lower extremity, requiring the application of tourniquets. She was transported in critical condition to Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola.
The second victim sustained flesh wounds to her right foot and was taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in stable condition.
Chief Crawford emphasized the rarity of the situation, stating, “Marine life is out there. That’s their environment. when you go into their environment, unfortunately, as rare as these things are, these things can happen.”
Sheriff Adkinson addressed the unusual nature of the attacks, saying, “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day. We understand that. But we need to make sure that we’re also using good judgment.”
In response to the attacks, authorities have closed the water to swimming for a two-mile radius around the incident sites. Experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota have been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
Both Chief Crawford and Sheriff Adkinson commended the swift actions of lifeguards, deputies, and nearby citizens with medical training who provided immediate care to the victims. They also praised the seamless coordination between the South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and Walton Air Rescue in handling the incidents.
While the specific species of sharks involved in the attacks has not been identified, authorities acknowledge that sharing the water with marine life is an inherent risk.
The decision to reopen the beaches will be reevaluated tomorrow. In the meantime, authorities urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and comply with beach flags and closures for their own safety.
Red and purple flags fly in Walton County after shark attacks, authorities urge caution
In the wake of the two shark attacks that left three victims injured in Walton County, Florida, on Friday, June 7, 2024, local authorities have announced that red and purple flags will be flown on Saturday, June 8, as a precautionary measure. The flag status has been changed from double-red to single-red, with the addition of purple flags.
The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) stated in a public notice, “SWFD lifeguards are flying red and purple flags on Saturday, June 8. We are utilizing the red and purple flags today out of an abundance of caution due to Friday’s incidents.”
The decision comes after a 45-year-old woman lost her hand and suffered severe injuries to her midsection and pelvic area in the first attack near Founder’s Lane in Watertown Beach.
The second incident, which occurred just four miles away near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, left two teenage girls with serious injuries, one of whom required tourniquets to control the bleeding.
During a joint press conference on Friday, SWFD Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasized the rarity of having three shark attack victims in a single day. “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day,” Sheriff Atkinson stated, adding that experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota had been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
The SWFD’s latest notice underscores the importance of beachgoers remaining vigilant and aware of the risks posed by both surf hazards and marine life.
“It is important to us that beach patrons recognize and understand the risk of the open water as it pertains not just to surf hazards, but marine life. We ask you to remain situationally aware at all times,” the notice read.
In a coordinated effort to ensure public safety, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife (MyFWC), and SWFD are working together to patrol the water and shoreline with boats and vehicles throughout Saturday.
Authorities have urged beachgoers to swim carefully, respect the Gulf, stay hydrated, and look out for their loved ones while the beach restrictions remain in place.
In the wake of the two shark attacks that left three victims injured in Walton County, Florida, on Friday, June 7, 2024, local authorities have announced that red and purple flags will be flown on Saturday, June 8, as a precautionary measure. The flag status has been changed from double-red to single-red, with the addition of purple flags.
The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) stated in a public notice, “SWFD lifeguards are flying red and purple flags on Saturday, June 8. We are utilizing the red and purple flags today out of an abundance of caution due to Friday’s incidents.”
The decision comes after a 45-year-old woman lost her hand and suffered severe injuries to her midsection and pelvic area in the first attack near Founder’s Lane in Watertown Beach.
The second incident, which occurred just four miles away near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, left two teenage girls with serious injuries, one of whom required tourniquets to control the bleeding.
During a joint press conference on Friday, SWFD Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasized the rarity of having three shark attack victims in a single day. “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day,” Sheriff Atkinson stated, adding that experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota had been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
The SWFD’s latest notice underscores the importance of beachgoers remaining vigilant and aware of the risks posed by both surf hazards and marine life.
“It is important to us that beach patrons recognize and understand the risk of the open water as it pertains not just to surf hazards, but marine life. We ask you to remain situationally aware at all times,” the notice read.
In a coordinated effort to ensure public safety, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife (MyFWC), and SWFD are working together to patrol the water and shoreline with boats and vehicles throughout Saturday.
Authorities have urged beachgoers to swim carefully, respect the Gulf, stay hydrated, and look out for their loved ones while the beach restrictions remain in place.
That is incorrect the sheriff said Watersound and Seacrest
