Woman injured by apparent shark bite at beach on Martha’s Vineyard

Swimming at South Beach in Edgartown was halted for several hours Monday after a woman was potentially bit by a shark, officials said. 

Around 1:40 p.m., emergency responders assisted a woman in her late 20s who suffered a lower leg injury while in the water at South Beach, Edgartown Town Administrator James Hagerty said in a statement on Facebook.

The injuries appeared “consistent with a bite from a marine animal,” though authorities did not locate any sharks or other marine life in connection with the incident, Hagerty said. 

“Based upon the nature of the injuries, however, the wounds were considered consistent with a potential shark bite,” he said. 

The woman received medical aid before being taken to a hospital for additional evaluation. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with no loss of limb or life-threatening trauma, according to Hagerty. 

Town personnel suspended swimming at the beach “as a precaution” and to evaluate conditions prior to allowing people back into the water, Hagerty said.

“Beachgoers are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings while in the water and to comply with instructions from lifeguards and any posted beach advisories,” he added. 

The town of Edgartown sits on the eastern shore of Martha’s Vineyard.