Florida authorities in the are on high alert after three separate shark attacks occurred within a single day, June 7, 2024. One 45-year-old woman was left badly wounded, leading doctors to have to amputate part of her left arm. Two teenage girls were also injured in the other attacks.
The Gulf Coast beaches were closed temporarily, but have since been reopened. Authorities are patrolling the waters, but have warned people to swim at their own risk and to remain vigilant.
"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," the department wrote in a Facebook post. "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," it continued. "Red and purple flags are flying in Walton County out of an abundance of caution. We're here if you need us."
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The red flags indicate high hazard and the purple ones are used to warn of dangerous marine life. In another post, the department wrote, "Walton County Sheriff’s Office will have a boat in the Gulf and will be monitoring the shoreline throughout the day. We ask beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings and remember we are guests in the Gulf."
"My daughter was there the day of the 3 attacks," one person commented. "Thank you for all you did/do. She was impressed with ALl first responders So glad everyone helped the 3 to safely and thank God for the quick thinking. Hope everyone heals quickly. Be safe."
"Marine life is always present and it is just not a good idea to go past the 1st sand bar," another person suggested.
The 45-year-old woman who suffered severe injuries was swimming with her husband at Watersound Beach in Walton County around 1:15 p.m. on June 7, 2024, when the attack happened, South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford told reporters. She was airlifted to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.
About an hour and a half later, another shark attacked two teens who were swimming with their friends near Inlet Beach, which is about 4 miles away. They were swimming in waist-deep water, officials shared.
The girls, 15 and 17, were both injured. One of them suffered “significant injuries” to her upper leg and hand, Crawford said. Two doctors who were on vacation happened to be in the water during the attacks and quickly provided care to the severely injured girl.
The girl was airlifted to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital in critical condition. “This is an anomaly," Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson Jr. told said. "Everything from it being three victims, to where it’s at. All we can do is respond, control, and mitigate what we can.”
