A woman was seriously injured after allegedly being attacked and bitten by a shark while she was bathing in Rockaway Beach on Monday afternoon.
According to authorities, the woman in her 50s was attacked around 6:00 p.m. off the coast at 59th Street.
The victim suffered a bite to the leg, the New York Fire Department reported.
The woman was taken in critical condition to Jamaica Hospital.
The events forced the New York Department of Parks and Recreation to close the beach and unsuccessfully search for the shark using helicopters.
Helicopters were deployed at the scene to try to locate the shark.
Rockaway beach will remain closed for at least this Tuesday, said the New York Parks management.
The parks department said in a statement that “shark bites in Rockaway are extremely rare,” adding, “we remain vigilant in beach monitoring and always clean the water when a shark is seen.”
“We expect a full recovery for this swimmer,” they concluded.
Experts say these animals are attracted to bays and bait fish off the coast of Long Island.
More about sharks in New York:
1/17
In the last two days it has been reported that at least five people may have been bitten by sharks on Long Island beaches, since only this July 4 authorities saw 50 sharks 200 yards from the shoreline of the beach.
2/17
With drones, Suffolk County authorities are closely monitoring the beaches of Long Island due to the increase in shark sightings in the area.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
3/17
Over the holiday weekend it was reported that at least five people may have been bitten by sharks in this area.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
Click here to continue with the gallery
4/17
Only on July 4, the authorities saw 50 sharks 200 yards from the shoreline with the help of a drone.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
5/17
The video was shared by the New York State Parks Department which observed a school of sharks just a few yards offshore.
6/17
This worries the authorities since the holiday period is just beginning and a high influx of bathers is expected, especially on weekends. According to experts, the sharks have been seen more often due to a special fish, which sharks normally eat, that has come close to the bay.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
Click here to continue with the gallery
7/17
Suffolk County Police personnel are closely monitoring the beaches to try to detect sharks so they can close the beaches to the public in time. Cameras with heat sensors are also being used to identify them.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
8/17
Cary Epstein, lifeguard supervisor, operates a drone during takeoff for a shark patrol flight at Jones Beach State Park.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
9/17
A drone flies in to land after a shark patrol flight at Jones Beach State Park.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
Click here to continue with the gallery
10/17
Drones are sweeping the ocean off the coast of Long Island in New York to patrol the waters for any danger possibly lurking.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
11/17
Bathers enjoy the shallows while a shark patrol flight takes place.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
12/17
With the security measures, bathers have managed to enjoy the beaches with a greater sense of security.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
Click here to continue with the gallery
13/17
Lifeguard supervisor Cary Epstein monitors the beach as his colleagues conduct a shark patrol on a jet ski at Jones Beach State Park.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
14/17
Lifeguards launch a jet ski for a shark patrol at Jones Beach State Park.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
15/17
Lifeguards ride a jet ski during a shark patrol at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, New York.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
Click here to continue with the gallery
16/17
The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul reported that they will increase surveillance on the beaches due to the increase in shark sightings. “These new drones will increase the shark monitoring capabilities of local governments on Long Island and New York City, ensuring that local beaches are safe for all bathers,” she said.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
17/17
This includes monitoring with boats and helicopters on Long Island beaches, where several attacks were recorded. To minimize the risk of interactions with sharks, the Department of Environmental Conservation recommends the following shark safety guide.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
Drone captures shark ‘hunting’ near Long Island beaches
2023-08-08 10:23:00
#Woman #condition #attacked #shark #York #beach
