Swimmer rushed to hospital after suspected shark attack at Martha’s Vineyard

Emergency personnel from Martha’s Vineyard rushed a swimmer to a hospital Monday after the woman sustained what appeared to be a shark bite, officials said.

The incident happened in the afternoon at South Beach in Edgartown, Massachusetts, along one of the island’s most popular shorelines.

Officials said the victim, in her late 20s, was in the water when she suffered a wound to her lower leg.

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“Based upon the nature of the injuries, however, the wounds were considered consistent with a potential shark bite,” Town Administrator James Hagerty said in a statement.

Her injuries were considered non-life-threatening and “did not involve the loss of a limb or other life-threatening trauma,” Hagerty said.

Multiple Edgartown agencies responded, and the woman received initial medical treatment before being transported to a hospital for further care.

After the suspected shark encounter, no marine predators were observed or confirmed that were involved the incident, officials said.

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In accordance with town protocol, officials suspended swimming at South Beach for several hours as a precaution, allowing personnel to assess conditions before later lifting the water restrictions.

The town thanked emergency personnel and beach staff for their prompt response.

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“Beachgoers are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings while in the water and to comply with instructions from lifeguards and any posted beach advisories,” Hagerty said.

Confirmed shark attacks near Martha’s Vineyard have historically been rare, though marine predators are known to pass through the area.

Nearly all serious or fatal shark attacks in Massachusetts over the last two decades have occurred along the coast of nearby Cape Cod, which is two hours away by car.

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Cape Cod is considered a major hot spot for great white sharks in the North Atlantic due to its large population of gray seals, a primary food source for the predators.