SURF CITY, N.C. — A 32-year-old Camp Lejeune Marine was possibly bitten by a shark Saturday at Surf City, officials said.
The Marine was taken to the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune around 10:40 p.m. by a friend, hospital officials said.
He sustained the bite in the waters near Surf City, officials said.
[ INTERACTIVE MAP: Saltier, warmer water factor for increase in shark bites, experts say ]
Officials said he was treated for lacerations to his right hand and forearm. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
If confirmed this would be the 11th shark attack on Carolina beaches since the beginning of June.
Experts said saltier water caused by a coastal drought, along with the water's warmth, and the increase in fish swimming close to shore are factors drawing sharks towards packed beaches.
- INTERACTIVE MAP: See where the attacks happened in the Carolinas:
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- WATCH about safety tips before heading into the water:
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RECENT ATTACKS:
- July 1: 67-year-old pulled underwater by shark
- June 30: Shark bites teen on Isle of Palms Tuesday
- June 27: Man, 18, bitten in Outer Banks near Rodanthe, N.C.
- June 26: Man attacked at Hunting Island Beach, S.C.
- June 26: Man, 47, bitten on the back off Avon on Hatteras Island, N.C.
- June 23: 9-year-old boy nipped on St. Helena Island while standing in about 12 inches of water.
- June 24: Boy, 8, receives minor leg and foot injuries at Surf City, N.C.
- June 14: Two teens attacked within minutes of each other at Oak Island, N.C.
- June 11: Teen bitten at Ocean Isle, N.C.
LINKS:
SHARK ATTACK HISTORICAL DATA:
CLICK HERE to see more about shark attacks in North Carolina (Source: Shark Research Institute, Inc.):