Navy base employee in critical condition after shark attack in Florida Panhandle

A Navy base employee is in critical condition after a shark attacked him during a lunchtime swim near a military marina in the Florida Panhandle. (WKRC, file)PANAMA CITY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Navy base employee is in critical condition after a shark attacked him during a lunchtime swim near a military marina in the Florida Panhandle.

The incident happened on Monday at around 11:45 a.m. at the popular waterfront area on base, according to previous reports.

According to Naval Support Activity Panama City Commanding Officer Tristan Oliveira, two staff members were swimming near the base marina during their lunch break when a shark attacked one of the men, severely injuring both of his arms.

Panama City Fire and Emergency Services rushed the victim, who is described as a man in his late twenties, to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, according to WJHG. Officials with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital said the man is now out of surgery and may be transferred to a trauma center for additional treatment.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are investigating the incident.

While shark sightings are common in the Florida Panhandle during the summer, attacks are rare, according to NOAA research biologist Dr. John Carlson.

“This is the time of year sharks move into coastal waters, often to give birth,” Carlson told WJHG.

He said waters near Tyndall Air Force Base, St. Joe Bay, and Apalachicola Bay serve as nursery areas for several shark species.

Despite their presence, Carlson said the risk of an attack remains extremely low:

You’re more likely to be injured by your lawnmower, bitten by a dog, or hit by a television set than attacked by a shark.

Carlson advises swimmers to avoid murky water, stay out of the water at dawn and dusk, and avoid areas where people are fishing. If a shark is spotted, he recommends calmly exiting the water.

While shark sightings are common in the Florida Panhandle during the summer, attacks are rare, according to NOAA research biologist Dr. John Carlson.

“This is the time of year sharks move into coastal waters, often to give birth,” Carlson told WJHG.

He said waters near Tyndall Air Force Base, St. Joe Bay, and Apalachicola Bay serve as nursery areas for several shark species.

Despite their presence, Carlson said the risk of an attack remains extremely low:

You’re more likely to be injured by your lawnmower, bitten by a dog, or hit by a television set than attacked by a shark.

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Carlson advises swimmers to avoid murky water, stay out of the water at dawn and dusk, and avoid areas where people are fishing. If a shark is spotted, he recommends calmly exiting the water.