Swimming was suspended at a Long Island beach Wednesday for the second time this month after a 41-year-old surfer from Arizona was bitten in another apparent shark attack, authorities say.
The surfer, whose identity has not been released, suffered a four-inch gash to the leg when he was bitten by what he believed was a sand Tiger shark in the water just east of the main beach at Smith Point County Park, officials said at a briefing.
#BREAKING: Another shark attack on Long Island. Suffolk County officials say a surfer was bitten around 7:45 this morning off the beach at Smith Point County Park in Shirley. A lifeguard was bit by a shark at this same beach about a week and a half ago@ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/9JmVSsI0M8
— Chantee Lans (@ChanteeLans) July 13, 2022
The surfer reported the shark knocked him off his board and bit him, officials said. He then said he punched the shark repeatedly as it kept circling him until a wave helped carry him to the shore and safety, they added.
First responders rushed the surfer to Long Island University for treatment.
The first encounter at Smith Point was just 10 days ago when a lifeguard was attacked and suffered injuries.
Notice for Smith Point Beach: Swimming has been suspended at this time due to dangerous marine life activity on Wednesday July 13, 2022.
— Suffolk County Parks (@SuffolkParks) July 13, 2022
Smith Point Beach has reopened for swimming as of 1:30 pm on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.
— Suffolk County Parks (@SuffolkParks) July 13, 2022
