A shark severed the left arm of a 16-year-old Colorado Springs boy above the elbow late Sunday afternoon in the waters off the beach town of Oak Island, N.C., only about 90 minutes after a 12-year-old girl also lost an arm in a similar attack.
Both were swimming in waist-deep water about 20 yards off shore at the time of the attacks, which occurred about 2 miles apart. They were immediately aided by other beachgoers who acted quickly to stop the bleeding and likely saved their lives.
The Colorado Springs boy was identified by some media outlets as Hunter Treschl. He and the girl, identified as Kiersten Yow of Archdale, N.C., were airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.
Doctors amputated Treschl’s left arm below the shoulder. Yow’s left arm was amputated below the elbow; she also suffered injuries to her lower leg.
Both were listed in good condition Monday.
Dr. Borden Hooks III, who performed the surgeries, said the injury to Treschl suggested a sizable predator.
“I would imagine to inflict that kind of damage it must be a relatively large shark,” Hooks said.
Authorities using helicopters and patrol boats said they spotted two sharks in the area that each appeared to be about 7 feet long.
One witness to the attack on Treschl described a harrowing scene.
“He looked like he was waving at his friends,” said Randy Milligan. “Then the shark just came out of the water and like you snap your fingers — bit his whole arm off.”
Authorities said they did not know if one or more sharks initiated the separate attacks.
