Two Consecutive Shark Attacks In New York

Shark attacks are all too common in our age of scarcity and overpopulation, particularly in regions like West Australia, South Africa and Reunion Island, where attacks and encounters are all too frequent.

While New York is not typically on the list of sharky locations, this morning two children were bitten in two different shark attacks, off Atlantique Beach and Sailors Haven on Fire Island – in the region which inspired Jaws‘ fictional Amity Island.

The two attacks happened separately, about 4 and a half miles apart. Both children, a boy and a girl, were 13 years old. The sharks were believed to be small in size, although the species has not yet been determined. 

Shark’s tooth removed, bandaged up and well enough to walk back. Photo. Stringer News

The 13-year-old boy was bitten while riding a boogie board and sustained injuries to his leg. A shark’s tooth was removed from his leg, and the wound was treated and dressed accordingly/ The child will make a full and rapid recovery.

The other attack was similar, the wound also relatively minor, but shocking nonetheless. The teenage girl was able to walk immediately after the attack, but was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Same leg, same day, and possibly from the same shark species. Photo. Stringer News

Both beaches have currently been closed to swimmers, but NBC Philadelphia reported that other beaches in the region appear to have “largely normal operations”.

Thankfully both attacks were nowhere near fatal, but two attacks in New York in a single day is unheard of. Since records started in 1837 there’s only been 10 shark attacks reported in the state of New York. Sightings might be relatively frequent, but attacks certainly aren’t. 

The Fire Island region is one of the more desirable locations close to NYC for a dip – and surf if the swells permitting – in the warmer months. And being just two weeks after the 4th of July in the midst of summer vacation, two shark attacks aren’t what tourists nor sweltering locals are hoping for.