Massachusetts woman injured while swimming; wounds consistent with shark bite

It appears that a woman was bitten by a shark while swimming at a Massachusetts beach on Monday.

According to the Town of Edgartown, at approximately 1:40 p.m., emergency personnel responded to Norton Point for a report of a swimmer who sustained an injury to her lower leg while in the water.

The individual, a woman in her late twenties, sustained wounds consistent with a bite from a marine animal. No shark or other marine animal was observed or confirmed in connection with the incident. Based upon the nature of the injuries, however, the wounds were considered consistent with a potential shark bite.

Edgartown Fire/EMS/Parks responded and provided medical care at the scene. The individual was subsequently transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Her injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening and did not involve the loss of a limb or other life-threatening trauma.

In accordance with Town protocol following a suspected shark encounter, swimming at South Beach was suspended for several hours as a precaution. The temporary restriction will allow Town personnel to assess conditions before reopening the water to swimming.