New Smyrna Beach, Florida — July 16, 2017 — A surfer was bitten by a great white shark off the coast of New Smyrna Beach on Sunday afternoon, marking one of the rare shark attacks in Florida’s recent history.
The 31-year-old male surfer was paddling about 200 yards from shore when the shark struck, biting his right leg. Lifeguards quickly responded to the emergency call, assisting the injured man back to shore where paramedics treated him for deep lacerations.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and received surgery. His injuries were reported as serious but not life-threatening.
New Smyrna Beach is known as the “shark attack capital of the world,” mostly due to encounters with smaller sharks like blacktip and spinner sharks, but great white shark incidents are uncommon in the area.
Marine experts noted that while great whites are typically more common in northern Atlantic waters, warming ocean temperatures and shifting prey patterns might be influencing their occasional presence further south.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) increased monitoring in the region after the attack and advised beachgoers to stay cautious while enjoying the water.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of following beach safety rules and remaining vigilant, especially during early morning and late evening hours when sharks are more active.
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