Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
In an unprecedented and alarming event, South Padre Island witnessed a rare series of shark attacks on the Fourth of July. Multiple videos and photos have surfaced online, depicting the immediate aftermath of these attacks, creating a wave of concern and shock among residents and visitors.
On Thursday, details emerged about the shark attacks on South Padre Island beaches. According to SPI Fire Chief Jim Pigg, four people were bitten in two separate incidents. In the first incident, one individual was bitten, and another was injured. The second incident saw two more people being bitten.
“We do not know the reason this happened. This is unprecedented on South Padre Island,” said Chief Pigg.
Photos and videos circulating on social media show a woman with a severe bite wound on her calf and a man with a bite on his thigh. Authorities believe a single shark is responsible for all four injuries.
“Shark encounters of this nature are not a common occurrence in Texas. When bites from sharks occur, they are usually a case of mistaken identity by sharks looking for food,” stated the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
At least two of the injured were transported to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville. One of these individuals required further treatment and was flown to another facility. Another victim was also hospitalized, according to Chief Pigg.
Below are two Images of one of the attacks. They are graphic. Please view at your own discretion.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1588349178412715&set=pcb.1588349771745989
“Our hearts and prayers are with the injured and their families, and we hope for a speedy recovery,” said Patrick McNulty, the mayor of South Padre Island, in an emailed statement.
The TPWD reported that local game wardens, members of the Texas Game Warden Marine Tactical Operations Group, and the Texas Department of Public Safety provided aerial surveillance from a helicopter.
The South Padre Island Police Department is also investigating the multiple severe shark bites. Reports indicate that multiple sharks were sighted in the waters around the island earlier in the day. One shark was filmed swimming in the shallows and reportedly attacked a man, biting him on the thigh and sending him to the hospital.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging caution and vigilance to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
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