Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. Boca Grande, Florida, USA Credit: Henryk Sadura

Overview:

A 9‑year‑old girl, identified as Leah Lendel, was snorkeling near Boca Grande Beach on Wednesday, June 11, when she was bitten by a suspected bull shark, nearly losing her right hand. She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, underwent successful emergency surgery, and remains in stable condition.

A 9‑year‑old girl, identified as Leah Lendel, was snorkeling near Boca Grande Beach on Wednesday, June 11, when she was bitten by a suspected bull shark, nearly losing her right hand. She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, underwent successful emergency surgery, and remains in stable condition.

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Article Overview

1. Victim Profile & Incident

  • Who: 9‑year‑old Leah Lendel, snorkeling with family near Shore Lane (22nd Street). foxweather.com+2bocabeacon.com+2nypost.com+2
  • What Happened: Surfacing around noon, she screamed as a shark—estimated at 7–8 ft—bit her hand nearly off at the wrist. wflanews.iheart.com+1nypost.com+1
  • Response: Nearby construction workers administered a tourniquet; she was airlifted to Tampa where surgeons performed a 6‑hour operation to reattach her hand using arterial grafting. Leah is expected to undergo extended hospitalization and therapy. mysuncoast.com+6wpxi.com+6nypost.com+6.

2. Shark Species & Environmental Context

  • Probable Culprit: Bull shark—8 ft in length—commonly found in these waters especially during mating and tarpon migration season. cbsnews.com+1nypost.com+1
  • Behavioral Context: Experts highlight murky, bait-rich waters drawing sharks closer to swimmers; summer months see increased human‑shark interactions, though incidents remain rare. .

3. Local & Year‑to‑Date Shark Attack Statistics

  • First Local Bite Since 2019: The last recorded shark bite on Boca Grande was in May 2019. en.wikipedia.org+11bocabeacon.com+11reddit.com+11
  • Florida Numbers: Florida recorded 14 unprovoked bites in 2024, accounting for half of U.S. incidents. U.S. totaled 28 bites in 2024, representing 60% of global shark attacks. foxweather.com+1cbsnews.com+1
  • 2025 Trend: Including Leah’s bite, Florida has seen at least one severe attack this year, continuing its pattern of seasonal activity. No reported fatalities so far in 2025.

4. Safety & Prevention Tips

  • Expert Advice: Avoid swimming at dawn/dusk; steer clear of shiny jewelry, and stay in groups to reduce risk. nypost.commysuncoast.com
  • Local Warnings: Authorities remind swimmers that while shark bites are rare in Boca Grande waters, vigilance is key—especially during peak summer and mating seasons.

What Comes Next

  • Medical Prognosis: Leah is stable; doctors will continue monitoring her recovery and therapeutic needs.
  • Investigation: Lee County Fire Rescue and marine officials are reviewing the site and eyewitness accounts for future safety measures.
  • Public Awareness: The attack highlights seasonal risks and underscores the importance of safety education for swimmers and families.

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