Woman hospitalized after potential shark bite off Martha’s Vineyard

A woman in her late 20s was taken to hospital after suffering lower-leg injuries while swimming off Norton Point on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Officials said the wounds could have come from a shark or another marine animal, but no animal was seen or confirmed.

Emergency personnel responded at about 1:40 p.m. Monday after receiving a report of an injured swimmer. The Edgartown Fire Department, paramedics and parks services treated her at the scene before transporting her for further evaluation.

Her injuries were not life-threatening. Officials said she did not lose a limb and had no other trauma considered life-threatening.

“

The individual, a woman in her late twenties, sustained wounds consistent with a bite from a marine animal. No shark or other marine animal was observed or confirmed in connection with the incident. Based upon the nature of the injuries, however, the wounds were considered consistent with a potential shark bite.

Swimming at South Beach was suspended for several hours under the town’s protocol for a suspected shark encounter. The restriction gave Edgartown officials time to assess conditions before reopening the water.

The Edgartown Fire Department urged swimmers to stay alert, warning that the water contains creatures “with big teeth, who are experts at blending into their surroundings.” The department also sent its best wishes to the injured woman.

“

Please remember the water is full of creatures, with big teeth, who are experts at blending into their surroundings.