Shark bites 14-year-old boy’s leg in attack on North Carolina beach

A 14-year-old West Virginia boy was bitten by a shark while swimming near a North Carolina beach, authorities said Tuesday.

The boy was in the water around 12:30 a.m. Sunday when a shark attacked and bit him, North Topsail Beach Police Chief William K. Younginer told USA TODAY. Witnesses intervened as the incident unfolded, pulling the boy out of the water and administering first aid using towels and applying pressure to stop the bleeding, Younginer said.

Fortunately for the victim, officers and emergency medical services were already on the beach for another call and were able to reach him quickly.

“The officers applied a tourniquet and paramedics stabilized the patient,” Younginer said, adding that he was immediately transported to the nearest trauma center, where they were able to “repair the leg.”

Take a close look at the latest data: How common are shark attacks in the United States?

Younginer said the boy is recovering well and is expected to be released soon. He thanked and thanked witnesses for taking immediate action and helping the boy.

“There have been no reports of the shark being sighted and this is an unusual occurrence in this area,” Younginer said.

Located on the Atlantic Ocean, North Topsail Beach is approximately 40 miles from Wilmington.

Five Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Attack

Shark attacks are more common in the summer, when people head to the oceans and open waters to cool off. Here are some tips to keep in mind when swimming:

• Do not go into the water alone. Have a swimming buddy accompany you.

• Don’t swim at dawn or dusk. The light is dim, which can increase the risk that a shark will mistake you for other prey.

• Do not enter waters where there is fishing activity.

• Don’t wear shiny jewelry. It can catch the sunlight and sparkle, much like the fish that sharks eat.

• Try to avoid splashing. It makes a sound similar to struggling fish, which can attract sharks.

Contributing by Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trends reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.

This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Shark attacks, bites 14-year-old boy’s leg in North Topsail Beach, N.C.