A fisherman in Nantucket experienced a harrowing encounter with a shark during the busy July Fourth weekend. The 21-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, caught a common sandbar shark and reeled it onto the shore. In an attempt to return the thrashing predator to its ocean habitat, the shark bit him on the leg, inflicting a serious injury. Friends of the injured fisherman quickly transported him to a local hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted by Boston Medflight helicopter to a mainland hospital for further treatment.

This incident highlights the increasing reports of shark bites as summer beach activities peak across the nation. On the same day as the Nantucket event, another shark attack occurred in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Matthew Bender, a 40-year-old surfer from Winter Park, Florida, was bitten by a shark, sustaining a 10-inch wound that severed muscles, tendons, and nerves. Despite the severity of his injuries, Bender survived the attack. New Smyrna Beach is often referred to as the “shark bite capital” of the United States, a title highlighted by “Shark Week” host Forrest Galante during a discussion with Fox News Digital about summer safety tips for avoiding shark encounters.

Earlier in June, a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel was snorkeling off Boca Grande on Florida’s Gulf Coast when she suffered a severe shark bite that nearly severed her hand. She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where she underwent successful surgery involving artery grafts and nerve repair. Additionally, later in June, another beachgoer was injured on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with injuries consistent with shark bites.

Forrest Galante emphasized that while many fear sharks as dangerous predators, they are simply animals at the top of their food chain. He reminded beachgoers that entering the ocean means stepping into their domain. Shark attacks occur because humans enter habitats where they are not the apex predators.