Charleston, South Carolina – A 65-year-old man was attacked by a shark while spearfishing off the coast of Charleston on Thursday evening, according to the Coast Guard Sector Charleston. The incident occurred approximately 20 miles from the Charleston coast. The victim was out at sea on a 28-foot boat when the shark attacked.
Quick action by a passenger on the boat saved the man’s life. They applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding until Coast Guardsmen arrived on the scene. Charleston Harbor Marine Police also responded to the incident and assessed the man’s injuries, determining that the bleeding had been successfully stopped.
To ensure the victim received immediate medical attention, police directed the boat to head towards Charleston Harbor to meet EMS at Tad Street, located next to Coast Guard Station Charleston. From there, EMS transported the injured man to the Medical University of South Carolina for further treatment. As of Friday night, his current condition remains unknown.
Shark attacks are a rare occurrence in the area, but encounters do happen from time to time. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the ocean’s surface. Although Charleston’s beaches are popular for various recreational activities, it’s essential for individuals to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.
Coast Guard authorities have not released the specific details of the shark species involved in the attack. Nonetheless, it serves as a testament to the resilience of those involved and the swift response by the Coast Guard and local authorities.
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