Shark attacks 9-year-old girl swimming off Florida’s Gulf Coast, rescuers say

A 9-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after an apparent shark attack off the Gulf Coast of Florida, fire rescue said.

Boca Grande Fire Chief C.W. Blosser told McClatchy News the victim was swimming off the beach in a residential area with family when the attack happened around noon June 11.

While no one reported seeing a shark, the child had injuries consistent with a shark bite on an upper extremity, the chief said.

The child was severely bitten on the hand, WBBH and the WINK reported.

The fire chief said the injuries were severe enough the girl required an air transport.

Boca Grande is on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida.

This story was originally published June 11, 2025 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Shark attacks 9-year-old girl swimming off Florida’s Gulf Coast, rescuers say."