Teen being treated after shark attack in South Carolina
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. -- Officials say a 15-year-old boy is being treated for injuries to his hand and leg after being bitten by a shark on the South Carolina coast near Myrtle Beach.
Rescuers responded to calls for emergency assistance to Murrells Inlet around 12:30 p.m., Thursday and found a 15-year-old teenager with bite marks to the leg and hand, CBS News affiliate WCBD reported.
Assistant Chief J.R. Haney of the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District says the youth was bitten off Garden City Beach on Thursday and taken to a hospital. He says the bleeding was stopped and bandaged at the beach.
Captain Jerry Howerton with MIGC Fire told WCBD that the teen was in chest deep water when he was bitten. The first bite was to the teen's ankle, the second bite was on the calf and the third bite was on the boy's hand from attempting to push away whatever was biting him.
In a statement, the hospital says an emergency room physician confirmed that the injuries were shark bites. The boy was expected to be released from the emergency room later Thursday.
At least 11 people have been reported attacked by sharks while swimming on the beaches of the Carolinas this summer. Two of the victims had limbs amputated.
At least 11 people have been reported attacked by sharks while swimming on the beaches of the Carolinas this summer. Two of the victims had limbs amputated.
Murrells Inlet is about 15 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach.