12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Shark Bite in South Carolina

News Summary

A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a Savannah medical center after sustaining a severe shark bite while swimming near Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred off Sea Pines, leading to significant leg injuries and substantial blood loss. First responders provided immediate care before the girl was transported for further treatment. This incident marks the second reported shark bite involving a child in a week, raising concerns among beachgoers about swimming safety amid increasing shark encounters.

South Carolina – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a medical facility after suffering a shark bite while swimming off the coast of Hilton Head Island on June 17, 2025. The incident took place in the waters near Sea Pines, resulting in significant injuries that required immediate medical attention.

Authorities confirmed that the girl sustained a leg injury consistent with lacerations typical of shark bites and that she had lost a considerable amount of blood due to her injuries. First responders from Shore Beach Services and Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue arrived on the scene promptly to provide on-site treatment. Following their initial medical intervention, the girl was transported to Hilton Head Island Airport and subsequently airlifted to a medical center in Savannah, Georgia, for further care. Despite the severity of the incident, her injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

This shark bite incident is the second reported case involving a child within just one week. Earlier, on June 11, a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel was bitten by a shark while snorkeling in Boca Grande, Florida. She suffered severe injuries, which nearly severed her hand, and underwent multiple surgeries at Tampa General Hospital, where she spent several days in intensive care.

In the wake of these incidents, many beachgoers in Hilton Head have expressed concern about the safety of swimming in the ocean. Locals described the situation as “nerve-racking,” highlighting the rising unease about potential shark encounters.

Unprovoked shark attacks are considered rare occurrences; however, the trend has shown a gradual increase. According to data from the International Shark Attack File, there were 88 alleged shark-human interactions globally in 2024, with 71 confirmed as actual shark bites. Among these confirmed incidents, 47 were classified as unprovoked, while there were also four recorded fatal attacks.

Hilton Head beaches, like many coastal areas, typically experience two or three shark attacks each year. Local charter captain Chip Michalove noted that the number of incidents can occasionally spike. These occurrences have raised awareness among beachgoers about the potential dangers of swimming in waters inhabited by sharks.

As of June 19, no further information regarding the identity or current condition of the 12-year-old girl has been released, adhering to privacy regulations that protect the information of minors involved in medical incidents.

As summer approaches and beach activities increase, safety measures and public awareness regarding ocean-related activities will remain paramount to ensure the safety of all swimmers and beachgoers.

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