Melissa Donovan
A 40-year-old man was hospitalized Sunday afternoon after being bitten by a shark while surfing off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety officials.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m., when the surfer—identified as a Winter Park resident—was in the water near the beach. Authorities reported that he sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. No additional details about the extent of his injuries have been released.
This marks the second reported shark encounter in New Smyrna Beach within the past month. In June, another surfer described being knocked off his board by a spinner shark that reportedly launched out of the water.
Often referred to as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” New Smyrna Beach is known for its high number of shark-human interactions, though most incidents result in minor injuries and are not life-threatening.
Officials have not released further information about the species of shark involved in Sunday’s bite or the circumstances surrounding the incident. Volusia County Beach Safety continues to monitor local waters and urges swimmers and surfers to remain vigilant.
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