9-year-old girl recovering at Tampa hospital after hand torn off by shark, family says
Share this @internewscast.com

A young girl, only 9 years old, is on the mend at a Tampa hospital after nearly losing her hand in what appeared to be a shark attack on Wednesday, NBC affiliate WBBH reports.

Leah Lendel was snorkeling in the water off a Boca Grande beach with her family at the time of the incident.

Her mother recounted being just a few feet away when the incident occurred. Her daughter had submerged for a snorkel, only to resurface screaming. Her arm was drenched in blood, and her hand was almost entirely detached at the wrist.

They hurried to the shore where a local construction crew quickly assisted. Boca Grande fire authorities stated that the wounds were consistent with a shark bite, although first responders did not spot the shark upon their arrival.

Leah’s father flew with her to Tampa, where she underwent a 6-hour surgery. Her mother said surgeons managed to reattach her hand.

“They had to get arteries from her leg to the hand. Got the blood flow back to her hand. Install pins in bones. Still has open tissues. They will be monitoring her here for a week. But thank God she can move her fingers,” Leah’s mother, Nadia Lendel, told WBBH.

WFLA has reached out to local hospitals for an update on the girl’s condition.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Remains of WWII Hero Finally Returned Home After 81 Years Missing in the Pacific

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – In a poignant moment steeped in both…

Federal Agent Draws Weapon on Pregnant Woman, Incident Captured in Viral Video

A pregnant woman from Illinois, who became the focal point of a…

Urgent Recall: 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Over Metal Wire Contamination Risk

(The Associated Press) — A significant recall has been issued by a…

Over 4,300 Migrants Expelled from Minneapolis Since January, Reports Governor Noem

In a recent announcement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that since…

Kingsport Hosts Annual ‘Blessing of the Animals’ Event for Local Pets

In Kingsport, Tennessee, a unique event unfolded on Saturday as fifteen local…

Argentina’s Pivotal Midterm Elections: A Crucial Test for President Milei and US Relations

In Buenos Aires, luxury car sales are booming along the northern shores…

ETSU Celebrates Legacy of First African American Students with New Sculpture Unveiling

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — East Tennessee State University (ETSU) proudly introduced five…

Historic Milestone: East Timor Joins ASEAN in First Expansion in Decades

KUALA LUMPUR – In a historic moment for East Timor, the nation’s…

Illinois Defense Faces Challenges in Away Game Against Washington

In a challenging game for the Illinois Fighting Illini in Seattle, Washington,…

Arrests Made in Connection with Crown Jewel Heist at Paris’ Louvre Museum

A wedding couple hugs as visitors queue to enter the Louvre museum…

Tragic Turn in Decatur: 17-Year-Old’s Death Sparks Ongoing Homicide Investigation

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A tragic shooting on Friday night claimed the…

Have Your Say: Hillsborough County’s Equestrian Center Relocation Needs Your Input!

In Hillsborough County, officials are seeking public feedback on a plan that…