BOCA GRANDE, Fla. (WFLA) — A family vacation took a terrifying turn after a 9-year-old girl was attacked by a shark in the waters off Boca Grande.
Video from Eagle 8 HD showed the calm, turquoise water where Leah Lendal’s family vacation turned into a nightmare.
“We saw the shark speeding through the water, it was right there, directly behind her,” recounted witness Raynel Lugo. “We were trying to help her get out… it was still pursuing her.”
Lugo, who was nearby, jumped into action.
“Yes, I assisted little Leah in getting out of the water,” he mentioned. “I initially thought it was someone drowning — then we noticed the shark and the blood coming from her hands. That’s when we realized it was serious.”
Lugo also dialed 911. The urgency in his voice was clear in the call.
“Is anyone injured by that shark?” the operator asked.
“Yes, the shark bit the arm of the little kid,” Lugo replied.
He says that while all of it was happening, he only had one mission: Get the kids out of the water.
A nearby construction worker also rushed over after hearing screams.
“When I heard them yelling, ‘Help, help,’ that’s when we ran out and saw the little girl crying,” he said. “Everybody was in shock.”
Marine Biologist Deby Cassill from the University of South Florida said shark sightings may increase this time of year.
“They are hungrier this time of year, and anything moving or splashing will attract their attention,” she explained.
Cassill recommends families stick to busier beaches where sharks are less likely to approach.
“Go to beaches where there is a large population of other people,” she said. “It could reduce the chances of an encounter.”
Leah Lendal remained in the hospital on Thursday while her family awaited her recovery. Leah’s family mentioned she nearly lost her hand in the incident. However, surgeons were able to reattach her hand following a six-hour surgery.
