A 14-year-old boy, Blayne Brown, was the victim of a shark attack at North Topsail Beach in North Carolina. The attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. near Beach Access No. 4 in Onslow County. Witnesses reported hearing screams and shouts of “Shark, shark!” alerting others to the danger. Brown, who was visiting from West Virginia, was bitten twice by the shark, once on the leg and once on the ankle. He was initially in shock, screaming for help while bystanders wrapped a towel around him to stop the bleeding.
North Topsail Beach Police Chief William Younginer arrived at the scene along with two police officers and an EMS officer who were already present due to an unrelated distress call. The officers quickly applied a tourniquet to Brown’s leg, helping to control the bleeding. Brown was then transported to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune for treatment. Younginer praised the quick action of the bystanders in assisting Brown and applying the necessary first aid. He also confirmed that shark attacks are extremely rare in the area, with no reported incidents since he began working in the area in 2018.
Brown recounted his terrifying experience, stating that he was unaware of the shark’s presence until it had bitten him. He expressed gratitude towards the people who came to his aid and helped him out of the water. Despite the traumatic incident, Brown is expected to make a full recovery and will soon be released from the hospital. The attack serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of marine wildlife and the importance of being cautious while swimming in the ocean.
The community has expressed shock and concern over the incident, with witnesses recalling the frantic moments following the shark attack. Chasity Keeter, one of the witnesses at the scene, described the chaos and fear that ensued as people rushed to help Brown and alert others to the danger. The quick response from emergency personnel and bystanders likely played a crucial role in Brown’s survival and recovery. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with swimming in areas where sharks may be present.
While shark attacks are rare occurrences, they can have serious consequences for those involved. The incident at North Topsail Beach serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of potential dangers while enjoying beach activities. Authorities in the area are likely to reinforce safety measures and educate the public on shark awareness in light of the recent attack. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, it is heartening to hear that Brown is expected to recover fully and return home soon, thanks to the swift actions of those who came to his aid.
