On July 25, a seven-year-old boy lost part of his leg after being attacked by a shark while swimming in Taiohae Bay, located on Nuku Hiva (the main island of French Polynesia). The young boy was in the water with about 10 other children when the incident took place.
Apart from losing the limb, the boy also suffered injuries to his right forearm and his left hand as a result of the shark bites. He was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred to the French Polynesia Hospital Center (CHPF), located roughly 930 miles (1,500 km) from Nuku Hiva.
Indeed, such incidents are tragic and occur more often than many might expect. Sharks are wild and unpredictable creatures, often known for their reputation of attacking surfers, instilling both fear and fascination among beachgoers and marine enthusiasts. While sharks are deadly predators, attacks on humans are relatively rare. However, it's still important to remain vigilant when visiting beaches known for shark activity.
Curious about the most shark-infested beaches and their history of shark attacks? Click through this informative gallery to learn more.