Photo: Tomasz Dutkiewicz / iStock / Getty Images
Hollywood, FL - A man was hospitalized on Tuesday after allegedly being bitten by a shark at Hollywood Beach.
According to local officials, emergency crews from Hollywood Fire Rescue responded to a call at approximately 3 p.m. near the 4100 block of Ocean Drive, where they found a man with a severe injury to his upper arm.
First responders applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm before transporting him to a nearby hospital for further medical attention.
Chai Kauffman, spokesperson for Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety, confirmed that the man’s injury was the result of a shark bite.
“As of now, this is the first reported shark attack in the area,” Kauffman stated.
The victim had been in the water when he suddenly jumped out, prompting bystanders to alert lifeguards.
After the incident, lifeguards followed standard protocol by clearing swimmers from the water.
They implemented a 30-minute waiting period, a safety measure used to assess the waters for any further marine threats.
Once the area was cleared, lifeguards determined that no other dangerous marine life was present, and the beach was reopened to the public.
No additional details regarding the man’s condition were provided, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
This marks a rare shark encounter in the Hollywood Beach area, which is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Authorities have yet to confirm if the attack was unprovoked or accidental, but urge beachgoers to follow safety guidelines while swimming.