Surfer's hand reportedly bitten by shark off Melbourne Beach

Brevard County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to Coconut Point Park, located at 3535 S.R. A1A in Melbourne Beach, for a reported shark bite at 7:56 a.m. Tuesday.

On arrival, paramedics located a 32-year-old male patient with minor puncture wounds to the hand. The patient told rescuers that he was surfing in the area when he believes he was nipped by a shark.

The man said he was in the process of paddling out and had just placed his hand in the water when he felt something bite his hand and let go. The surfer did not see the shark due to water conditions but wounds were consistent with a shark bite, paramedics said. No description of the shark was available.

The man was able to exit the water without assistance and seek medical aid. Rescuers evaluated and treated the wounds on scene. The patient was not transported.

This was the first reported shark bite in Brevard County this year.

-News release from Brevard County