Authorities in Florida are on high alert after three shark attacks injured three people in a single day. In these separate incidents, a 45-year-old woman and two teenage girls, aged 15 and 17, were hurt. Due to these attacks, local officials closed the beaches and started water patrolling, according to the New York Post.
The woman, who was swimming at Watersound Beach in Walton County, was seriously injured, and doctors had to amputate part of her left arm. The attack caused “significant trauma” to the woman’s body.
The police have urged beachgoers to stay alert. In a Facebook post, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said: “The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Beach Marine Unit continues to monitor the shoreline and the beaches Saturday following Friday’s incidents involving sharks in Walton County.”
“Deputies spotted a 14-foot hammerhead shark east of South County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach this morning from the boat, which is NOT uncommon,” the post read.
“We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and beachgoers should be cautious when swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”
Local officials have placed red and purple flags on the beach to warn swimmers—red for high hazard and purple for dangerous marine life.
