BRUNSWICK COUNTY — A family vacationing in Oak Island experienced a scare when their child was bitten by a shark in shallow water.
It took place Wednesday around 3 p.m. in 2-to-3-foot water near the the SE 46th Street beach access. An adult family member was accompanying the child when the person saw a “small fish jumping out of the water nearby,” the town noted in a release.
“Shortly afterwards, the child sustained a bite to the front shoulder from either a juvenile or small species of shark,” the release continued.
A call to 911 wasn’t made, though the family took the child to Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport to be treated. A photo provided to the town by the family show small teeth marks and an open wound near the collarbone. No major injuries were sustained, nor were stitches required.
“Although the reason for the bite is unclear, this appears to be an isolated incident,” the town maintained.
Flags have been flying purple in Oak Island earlier this week, normally indicative of “dangerous fish or marine life.” The town said it’s not in relation to the incident but because there was greater jellyfish activity in the waters. The purple flag is still in effect, but spokesperson Michael Emory said there have been no stings reported.
“However, we will keep it purple out of caution,” he said.
The town’s Beach Services Unit continues to observe the area during patrols. Cautions will be released through the town’s email notification system, OKInformation, as needed.
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