Seventh Shark Attack On NC Coast

July 2, 2015

WCCB Charlotte,

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OAKRACOKE ISLAND, NC — Some people heading to the North Carolina coast for the long holiday weekend are afraid to get in the water. It comes after another shark attack Wednesday. It’s the seventh this summer.

Wednesday’s attack happened on Ocracoke Island. There have been two in the Outer Banks, two on Oak Island, and one each at Ocean Isle Beach and Surf City. None have been deadly.

Wednesday’s victim is a 68-year-old man. He was swimming about 30 feet offshore. Officials say a lifeguard saw a seven-foot gray shark pull him underwater. The man has injuries to his rib cage, left hip, legs and hands.

Experts blame the attacks on warmer water and an increase in prey. Beachgoers are keeping an eye out.

“It’s a little scary,” said one vacationer. “Don’t remember seeing so many shark attacks. It just seems they’re occurring quite often now.”

There have been two shark attacks reported off the South Carolina coast: one at the Isle of Palms, the other at Hunting Island Beach. Experts say you are more likely to die from the flu than a shark attack.