Fernandina Beach, Florida – A recent shark attack off the east coast of Florida left a man injured with a severe bite to his right arm, according to authorities. The incident occurred while the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit was on patrol and responded to a distress call from a boat around 11:15 a.m. local time.

Upon arrival at the scene, officials found the victim with a severe arm bite and promptly applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. The victim was then airlifted to a nearby hospital and is currently in critical condition but expected to recover. No further details about the incident were provided by officials.

This shark attack follows a series of other incidents, including two separate attacks on a woman and two teenage girls along Florida’s Gulf Coast earlier this month. Local authorities have issued warnings to swimmers about the potential dangers in Florida’s waters, particularly noting the presence of dangerous marine life with purple flags.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission emphasizes that shark activity in Florida waters typically peaks between April and October. Despite this, shark bites remain rare, with humans being more likely to be struck by lightning in Florida than bitten by a shark. Experts attribute the slight increase in shark bites to an influx of human visitors rather than a rise in shark populations.

As authorities continue to monitor coastal waters for potential risks, beachgoers are urged to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying Florida’s beaches. It is crucial to heed safety warnings and flags posted by local authorities to prevent any further shark-related incidents.