05 July 2023 , 07:44
807
0
Alarming footage shows frightened beachgoers swimming away as a shark circles in the shallow waters nearby.
People can be heard shouting "Get out!" as the predator circles and thrashes aggressively while hunting for fish.
"They’re still out there," one person notes as some people take their time to get out of the water in Navarre Beach, Florida.
Similar scenes were videoed in Perdido Key, also in the Sunshine State.
Reports indicate the beast was a hammerhead shark, which can grow up to 20 feet, live up to 30 years and weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds.
Teen girl mauled to death by shark in front of her friends in horrendous attack
The video was shot by beachgoers Christy Cox, who told the Pensacola News Journal people were "stunned" by the appearance of the beast.
'It all happened so fast,' one witness said (Cristy Cox/ Local News X/ TMX)
'Get out' concerned beachgoers can be heard yelling (Cristy Cox/ Local News X/ TMX)“It all happened so fast! A dolphin was actually side by side with the shark at first and then just disappeared,” Cox said.
“The shark was just trying to feed as they are expected and just passed by swimmers. Everyone was stunned as it moved down the beach chasing the school of fish. We all just have to remember this is natural and we are in their home, so stay alert!”
A number of sharks were spotted in the water as holidayers enjoyed a day at the beach to celebrate July 4.
Beach Safety Director Austin Turnbill added there was little cause for concern in the wake of the sighting.
“There’s sharks in the Gulf, everywhere. We see sharks almost every day and there’s nothing to be alarmed of for 99.9% of the time,” Turnbill said.
The sighting comes as a man swimming in chest-deep water at a Long Island, New York was likely bitten by a shark on Tuesday.
The man, 47, suffered a number of lacerations to his right knee, according to the Quogue Village Police Department.
Police said: "A shark was not physically seen, however, the bite was from a larger marine animal.
"Police have notified all surrounding beaches of the marine life activity, and are encouraging patrons to stay out of the water until the situation can be further assessed."
Hero desperately tried to save girl, 16, killed by shark in front of friends
The man was treated at hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
On Monday, a 15-year-old teen was bitten by a shark also along the Long Island coast in Fire Island.
The shark left its sharp teeth lodged in the teen's toes and left heel, but they thankfully remained in one piece.
He had to be helped by another beachgoer after he managed to swim back to shore. The teen was then given medical help and taken to the Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip.