2 Injured in Shark Attacks, Texas.

Shark attack on Texas beach leaves two injured, officials say

A Fourth of July beach outing turned into a nightmare for visitors to South Padre Island, Texas, when a shark attacked, injuring two people, officials said.

"I just feel like this pressure, like someone punched me or someone pushed the back of my leg, and I turn around, and there's this shark...There's little bite marks on my calf, but I'm alright for now." -- Victoria Ramos, telling KHOU about the attack.

Texas Parks and Wildlife confirmed two other shark encounters, with no serious injuries. Two victims were hospitalized, one airlifted for further treatment.

Border Patrol agents rescued one victim, providing "life-saving" aid.

Despite being rare in Texas, this attack has raised concerns, with beachgoers urged to be vigilant.

Other attacks:

• A 21-year-old Ohio man was bitten in knee-deep water in Florida on Independence Day.
• A man in his 40s was severely bitten off Amelia Island, Florida, rescued and airlifted to hospital (June).
• A 14-year-old was attacked in North Carolina, with actor Tamayo Perry fatally injured in Hawaii (June).
• Four people were injured in separate incidents on June 7, three in Florida, one in Oahu.

Avoidance & Context:

• Tips to avoid encounters: stay close to shore, no solo swims, avoid dusk/dawn swims, no shiny jewelry, no excess splashing, and avoid swimming if bleeding/menstruating.
• According to the International Shark Attack File, 2023 saw 69 unprovoked bites worldwide, with 36 in the US.
• Sharks often mistake people for fish, with surfers at a 42% risk of encountering sharks.
• Ten unprovoked shark-related deaths were confirmed in 2023, four more than the annual average.