Shark attack leaves four bathers injured on the 4th of July

The 4th of July holiday turned into a nightmare for beachgoers on South Padre Island, Texas, when at least two swimmers were bitten by a shark. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported that two people were bitten by what is believed to be the same shark, while two others encountered the shark but were not seriously injured.

Two victims with severe bites were transported to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, Texas, with one later being airlifted to another hospital. The conditions of the victims have not been confirmed.

In a separate statement on Thursday evening, South Padre Island Fire Chief Jim Pigg reported that two of the four victims were hospitalized, while one was treated on the scene for minor injuries. Pigg also revealed that the shark "was located at the southern end of the island and was pushed into deeper waters."

At 11 a.m. local time on Thursday, officers responded to a report of a man who had suffered a severe shark bite near the 4100 block of Gulf Boulevard. The victim was treated on-site before being transported to a nearby hospital.

Shortly after 11 a.m., a video showed police assisting a woman identified as Tabatha Sullivent, who was bitten on her left leg by a shark while swimming. The video captures good Samaritans and first responders pulling the woman from the water and applying a tourniquet around her leg to stop the bleeding. A shark's dorsal fin could be seen floating near the shore.

Victoria Ramos, 18, was one of those attacked by the shark, though she only sustained minor injuries. "I felt pressure like someone punched or shoved the back of my leg, and I turned around to see a shark," said Ramos. "I have small bite marks on my calf, but I'm okay for now."

"Large coastal species are known to increase their feeding behaviors and stay closer to shore before major weather disturbances occur," wrote Banks.

In response, authorities deployed drones, boats, and a helicopter to search for sharks. The city was considering closing the beach to the public, according to a Coast Guard lieutenant.