SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — Several shark attacks disrupted Fourth of July celebrations at South Padre Island, with one man being taken to the hospital for a severe bite, authorities said Thursday.
Police were called for the attack on the man around 11 a.m., according to Nikki Soto, the South Padre Island city secretary. He was treated at the beach by firefighters and police before being taken to the hospital.
No information was available yet about the man’s condition or the extent of his injuries.
Game Warden Capt. Chris Dowdy said that in the span of about two hours, four separate attacks were reported.
Based on witness reports and images on social media, Dowdy said, authorities believe a single shark about 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) long was responsible.
Beach patrol, firefighters and police were patrolling the shore and flying drones after the attacks, Soto said.
The last reported shark attack in the area was five years ago, according to Dowdy.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife is assisting the investigation.