Jensen Beach shark bite report: Man suffers possible shark bite in Jensen Beach

Beach has now reopened

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Posted: 12/31/2012

By: Angela Cruz

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. -- The water was off-limits to beach visitors in the guarded area of Jensen Beach after Martin County authorities say a man suffered a possible shark bite Monday.

Jon Belding, Division Chief with Martin County Fire Rescue, said the department received a call about the possible shark bite just after 2:00 p.m.

"Ocean rescue was in the guarded area and immediately responded to what we believe is a minor shark bite to the victim's lower leg," said Belding.

"When (the swimmer) was up by the lifeguards, we saw like, blood dripping down from his leg and stuff," said beachgoer Will Robinson Monday. "Like, maybe he hit the reef or the coral."

Witness Jim O'Brien said he wasn't sure what was happening when he arrived at the beach.

"When we were walking in, he was kind of sitting there and I didn't know anything was wrong with him," O'Brien said. "But then his buddy came over and the ATV with the lifeguard came by to take care of him. And then they got out the stretcher and brought him out."

As a precautionary measure, the guarded area of the beach was closed for the remainder of the day Monday.

Tuesday morning Belding confirmed that the Jensen Beach public beach had reopened. He said the beach will be flying a single red flag, which means high-surf advisory. The beach will be patrolled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Keona Gardner of wptv.com news partner Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers contributed to this report.

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