07-07-2025
Shark attacks surfer in Florida, victim taken to hospital
A shark attacked a surfer in Florida on Sunday, July 6, officials said, marking the second reported shark-related incident with a person in the Sunshine State so far this year.
The attack took place in water off New Smyrna Beach, a city south of Daytona Beach in northwest Florida, a Volusia County spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY on Monday.
According to information from WFTV and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, about 3 p.m. local time, a 40-year-old man surfing in the water suffered a bite to his right forearm, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue reported.
The victim, who both outlets reported is from Winter Park, was transported to the hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
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It was not immediately known what type of shark attacked the victim.
USA TODAY has reached out to a beach safety spokesperson for more information.
Rumors the man lost a limb are incorrect, friends of the victim with Raw Surf posted on the business' Facebook page.
"Our good friend and fellow waterman @Matt_Bender was bit by a shark today while surfing in New Smyrna," the Facebook post reads. "His hand was NOT bitten off − he's doing good considering, but he was injured and needs our support and prayers right now."
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Shark bite marks state's known second encounter of 2025
The attack marks the second reported shark encounter with a human so far in 2025, according to information gathered by USA TODAY.
The reported attack took place on June 11 in Boca Grande, a small community on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida and involved a 9-year-old girl. The girl, who survived, nearly lost her hand as a result of the attack.
According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 47 people were bitten in unprovoked attacks last year. Four people died, including one person in the U.S.
Each year, according to ISAF, the world averages about 65 documented shark attacks.
On average, six fatal attacks are reported each year.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
