Three Shark Bites Reported In Eight Days

Daytona Beach, FL – In the last eight days, Volusia County Beach Safety reports that there have three separate sharks incidents spread across the county. Reports from Deputy Chief Andrew Ethridge on September 8, 15, and 16 document the incidents. On September 8, a 54 year old man from Winter Springs was releasing a fish he had caught while surf fishing down in Canaveral National Seashore. He stated a 4-5 foot shark bit the fish and his right hand. The shark then swam away. He was treated on scene by Beach Safety personnel and then drove himself to the hospital. On September 15, at approximately 10:45 this morning, a 15 year old male from St. Augustine was bitten on the right hand while surfing in Ponce Inlet. He advised that he was paddling out near the jetty in deep water when he felt the shark bite and immediately release his hand. He was treated at the scene for lacerations to his right hand and wrist but refused transport to the hospital.  Yesterday, September 16, a possible shark bite was reported at 2505 South The Beach, Daytona Beach Shores. The victim Eric Bowman, on vacation from North Carolina, stated that he was wading in waist deep water when he felt something bite his left foot. He did not see the animal and stated that he felt it bite and let go immediately after. He refuse transport and was treated on scene for minor lacerations and punctures to his foot.