1. Walton County officials address recent shark incidents in press conference
2. Press conference held by officials in Walton County to discuss recent shark attacks.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Editor’s note: Watch the live press conference here.
SANTA ROSA BEACH — On Friday, officials in Walton County held a press briefing to share more details about two shark incidents that resulted in injuries to three individuals on Friday afternoon.
“This is a sorrowful day for us and our community, as well as the victims and their loved ones,” stated Walton County Commissioner Tony Anderson. “When such incidents occur, we must respond promptly.”
Here’s what we currently know:
Recap of the initial attack | 1:20 p.m. Friday
During the press conference, South Walton Fire Chief Ryan Crawford took the stage first and outlined the sequence of events.
As per Crawford, the emergency services in Walton County received a call regarding the first shark encounter near Founders Lane in Watersound Beach around 1:20 p.m. on Friday.
The victim, a 45-year-old woman, was swimming beyond the initial sandbar with her husband when the shark launched the attack. She sustained substantial injuries to her mid-section and pelvic area, as well as the amputation of her lower left arm.
Upon the arrival of first responders, the victim was taken to the Seagrove Fire Station before being airlifted to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. As of 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the victim was still in critical condition.
Summary of the second attack | 2:56 p.m. Friday
The second incident was reported at 2:56 p.m. near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, approximately 4 miles east of the initial incident.
The two victims were teenage girls aged between 15 and 17. They were in the water with a group of friends just within the first sandbar, in water up to their waists.
One of the girls sustained severe injuries to one upper and lower extremity and required tourniquets to be applied. She was airlifted to Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, where she remained in critical condition on Friday evening.
The second girl suffered flesh wounds to her lower right extremity and was taken by first responders from the South Walton Fire District to Ascension Bay Medical Center in Panama City Beach, where she was listed in stable condition.
Information about beach closures
Following this, Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson spoke about the process of beach closure. Initially, the closure was restricted to “a couple-mile radius” near the location of the first incident. However, after the second attack, the decision was made to shut down the beaches entirely.
Crawford also mentioned that changing the flags along the 26 miles of coastline could take up to 90 minutes.
Later on Friday, the neighbouring Bay County also decided to close its beaches.
What comes next?
Walton County officials have reached out to experts from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota to investigate the incidents and ascertain if there were any unusual factors at play.
“We need to be thorough in our investigation,” stated Adkinson. “We acknowledge that sharks inhabit these waters. Despite the tragedy, we must remember that these waters are home to sharks, and we need to exercise caution.”
According to Adkinson, the last fatal shark attack in Walton County occurred in 2005, with the most recent shark incident taking place in 2021.
Related coverage:Bay County shuts down beaches following two shark attacks in neighbouring Walton County
Related coverage:Consecutive shark attacks injure two teenagers and an adult near a Florida beach; one victim loses an arm
A decision regarding the reopening of Walton County beaches will be made on Saturday. As the press conference drew to a close, both Adkinson and Crawford emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant while enjoying the beaches.
“Marine life exists in these waters. This is their habitat. When we enter their environment, we must be mindful that, as rare as these incidents are, they can occur,” said Crawford.
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