Shark attack on Texas' South Padre Island leaves 4 people injured on Fourth of July

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·2 min read

Four people were injured after an apparent shark attack on South Padre Island in Texas during the Fourth of July holiday.

Here is what we know about the attacks:

Shark attacks on South Padre Island

According to a press release by Texas Parks and Wildlife, two individuals were bitten in the attack, and two others encountered the shark but were not seriously injured. According to Dowdy, authorities suspect a single shark was behind all four incidents, which occurred over two hours.

Texas Game Warden Captain Chris Dowdy told media outlets that the attack was reported near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill.

Officials stated that of the two people bitten, one was transported to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, while the other was airlifted for additional treatment. The U.S. Coast Guard deployed drones, boats, and helicopters to monitor the area and ensure the waters remained safe from further attacks.

Where is the shark now?

Dowdy said the shark escaped to open waters, and there is no current plan to contain it.

Officials advise that large schools of baitfish near the shore often signal the presence of a predator. Beachgoers are encouraged to calmly exit the water if they spot a shark and wait for it to pass.

Do sharks attack people often?

Shark attacks are rare, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File.

The risk of dying from a fatal shark attack during one’s lifetime is one in more than four million, ISAF said. And according to ISAF, there were 36 total shark-related incidents in the U.S. in 2023.

What Texas counties have the most shark attacks?

Attacks are often a result of people spending more time in water rather than more aggressive sharks, ISAF said.

According to data compiled from 1911-present, the following counties have reported shark attacks:

  • Galveston: 19

  • Nueces: 12

  • Cameron: 7

  • Brazoria: 3

  • Matagorda: 2

  • Kleberg: 1

  • Calhoun: 1

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Shark attacks 4 beachgoers on Texas' South Padre Island. See video