Beachgoers Hesitant After Shark Attack

(07/18/07 -- ATLANTIC BEACH) (WTVD) -- The first shark attack of the season has some beachgoers along the Carolina coast hesitant to go back into the water.

A woman was bitten on both legs Tuesday at Atlantic Beach. She was released from the hospital and is on her way home.

Authorities say the woman was attacked. The shark bit one leg and she kicked it with her other foot, and it attacked that foot.

Bloody footprints in the sand show where eyewitnesses helped pull the 30-year-old victim out of the water Tuesday.

One woman recalled the scene.

"A woman on a blanket -- her foot and leg were bleeding," said Meg Newton, eyewitness. "They were getting families out of the water. My daughter ran to the lifeguard to tell them what happened and called 911 to tell them they had to get someone out here."

Emergency crews rushed the woman to the hospital. She has been released from the hospital and is said to be in good spirits.

Authorities said Tuesday's water conditions were ideal for sharks to be close to the shore. The water was murky.

The attack is the first shark attack at Atlantic Beach in more than a decade, but attacks are common along the N.C. coast.

Eyewitness News accompanied UNC shark experts who tag the creatures for research.

Video from Morehead City just a few years ago shows sharks, just a few feet long. Those who study them up close say they've seen some much bigger.

"Eight to nine feet Tiger Sharks," said Frank Schwartz, UNC shark expert. "Eight footWwhite Sharks -- roughly the largest one was a dusky shark about 14 feet wide. It filled up the whole back of the boat."

Authorities believe the shark that attacked the woman was about five feet long, based on the bite marks on both of her legs.

Attacks usually happen first thing in the morning or in the afternoon when sharks are feeding. Experts also say attacks are common during a full or dark moon and beachgoers should watch out for cloudy water.

If you are attacked, experts say you should hit the shark on the nose. That will stun the animal and make it think twice while hopefully give you time to get away.

The beach was not closed after Tuesday's attack. Authorities believe the attack was an isolated event.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•