A 9-year-old girl was the victim of a shark attack while diving in shallow water off a beach near Boca Grande on Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The minor, who was on a family outing, suffered a severe bite to one of her hands, Lee County emergency services confirmed.
According to the Fire Department, the event occurred shortly before noon, and after the attack, the girl managed to get out of the water under her own power. She was treated on the beach by paramedics and then transported by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital, where she underwent more than six hours of reconstructive surgery.
Stable condition and ongoing recovery
The medical team reported that, despite the severity of the wound from the shark attack, the girl is in stable condition and has a good prognosis.
However, he will require intensive physiotherapy and surgical follow-up in the coming months to preserve the mobility of the affected hand.
The child’s family, of Hispanic origin, started an online fundraising campaign to cover medical costs.
Estimated at more than $80,000, including additional surgeries, rehabilitation and psychological care.
In just 24 hours, the initiative had already surpassed $25,000.
Florida: leader in unprovoked attacks
According to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File, the state recorded 14 incidents of unprovoked bites in 2024.
This represented half of the national total.
The girl managed to get out of the water on her own
Florida continues to be the state with the highest number of attacks.
They are mainly concentrated in the Volusia, Brevard and Gulf Coast regions, where Boca Grande is located.
Although most attacks are not fatal, marine life experts recommend special caution between the months of May and September.
This is when sharks come closer to the coasts due to temperature changes and sea currents.
Recommendations to avoid incidents
Buzzy
Florida authorities reiterate to swimmers, residents and tourists, the following measures to reduce the risk of a shark attack:
Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk
Do not enter the sea with open wounds
Do not wear shiny jewelry in the water
Avoid swimming in areas with visible schools of fish.
This tragic incident is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions when visiting Florida beaches.
Especially for Hispanic families enjoying the summer on these shores.
The community has already turned out in support of the family, showing the solidarity that characterizes Latinos in the US.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
