– Long-tailed keywords: “Friday’s shark attacks details” and “Friday’s shark attacks aftermath”.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Editor\’s note: Watch the press conference here.
SANTA ROSA BEACH — On Friday, officials from Walton County in Florida held a press conference to provide detailed information about the unfortunate occurrences of two shark attacks that injured three individuals on Friday afternoon.
\”This is indeed a tragic day for us, the victims, and their families,\” expressed Commissioner Tony Anderson of Walton County. \”When such incidents happen, swift action is necessary.\”
Here is a summary of the incidents:
First Shark Attack | 1:20 p.m. Friday
Chief Ryan Crawford of the South Walton Fire Department was the first to address the audience during the press conference, offering a timeline of events.
According to Chief Crawford, emergency services in Walton County received a distress call regarding the initial shark attack near Founders Lane in Watersound Beach at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Friday.
The victim, a 45-year-old woman, was swimming with her husband beyond the first sandbar when the shark attacked. She sustained severe injuries to her mid-section and pelvic area, including the amputation of her lower left arm.
Following the arrival of first responders, the victim was swiftly transported to the Seagrove Fire Station before being airlifted to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. As of 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the victim remained in critical condition.
Second Shark 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 attack.
The two victims were teenage girls aged between 15 and 17, who were part of a group of friends in waist-deep water just inside the first sandbar.
One of the girls sustained significant injuries to both upper and lower extremities, necessitating the application of tourniquets. She was airlifted to Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, where she remained in critical condition on Friday night.
The second girl suffered flesh wounds to her lower right extremity and was transported by the South Walton Fire District responders to Ascension Bay Medical Center in Panama City Beach, where she was listed in stable condition.
Beach Closure Updates
Sheriff Michael Adkinson of Walton County then explained the beach closure procedure. Initially, the closure was limited to a \”couple-mile radius\” near the first incident location. However, following the second attack, a decision was made to close all beaches in the area.
Chief Crawford also highlighted that changing the warning flags along the 26-mile coastline could take up to 90 minutes to complete.
Later on Friday, Bay County, a neighboring county, also decided to close its beaches in response to the incidents.
What’s Next?
Officials from Walton County have reached out to experts from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota to investigate the attacks and determine if there were any unusual factors at play.
\”We must be vigilant in our response,\” stated Sheriff Adkinson. \”While tragic, it is important to remember that sharks are a part of these waters. We need to be cautious.\”
Sheriff Adkinson mentioned that the last fatal shark encounter in Walton County took place in 2005, with the last shark incident occurring in 2021.
A decision regarding the reopening of Walton County beaches will be made on Saturday. At the conclusion of the press conference, both Sheriff Adkinson and Chief Crawford advised the public to remain alert while enjoying the beaches.
\”Marine creatures inhabit these waters. This is their environment. As rare as these incidents are, they can happen,\” emphasized Chief Crawford.
This article was originally published on Northwest Florida Daily News: Walton County officials hold press conference, discuss shark attacks
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– shark attacks on Friday
– Friday shark attacks happened.
