Swimmer Hospitalized After Suspected Shark Attack off Martha’s Vineyard

Emergency crews on Martha’s Vineyard took a woman to the hospital Monday after she suffered injuries officials said appeared consistent with a possible shark bite.

The suspected shark encounter occurred Monday afternoon at South Beach in Edgartown, Massachusetts, a well-known stretch of shoreline and one of the island’s busiest beach destinations.

According to officials, the woman, who is in her late 20s, was in the water when she sustained a wound to her lower leg.

“Based upon the nature of the injuries, however, the wounds were considered consistent with a potential shark bite,” Town Administrator James Hagerty said in a statement.

Hagerty said the woman’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening and “did not involve the loss of a limb or other life-threatening trauma.”

Several Edgartown emergency agencies responded to the scene, where the woman was given initial medical care before being transported to a hospital for additional treatment.

Officials said that after the suspected shark bite, no marine predator connected to the incident was seen or confirmed in the area.

In accordance with town protocol, officials suspended swimming at South Beach for several hours as a precaution, allowing personnel to assess conditions before later lifting the water restrictions.

The town thanked emergency personnel and beach staff for their prompt response.

“Beachgoers are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings while in the water and to comply with instructions from lifeguards and any posted beach advisories,” Hagerty said.

Confirmed shark attacks near Martha’s Vineyard have historically been rare, though marine predators are known to pass through the area.

Nearly all serious or fatal shark attacks in Massachusetts over the last two decades have occurred along the coast of nearby Cape Cod, which is two hours away by car.

Cape Cod is considered a major hot spot for great white sharks in the North Atlantic due to its large population of gray seals, a primary food source for the predators.