KEY LARGO, FLA. (WSVN) - An 8-year-old boy was hospitalized after being bitten by a shark in Key Largo.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened before 3:30 p.m. on the oceanside, Monday afternoon when the boy was snorkeling off Horseshoe Reef.
“So, we have an 8-year-old… significant amount of blood loss,” said emergency dispatch audio over Broadcastify police scanner. “Patient is pale.”
The shark bit him above the knee, according to deputies.
A nearby dive vessel stopped to help him after the attack.
“He’s been applied two tourniquets, we also put [inaudible] bandage to control the bleeding,” said emergency dispatch. “We’re on the process of getting some vital signs.”
The boy was reportedly airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center in Miami. His condition is being described as severe.
7News cameras captured footage of the chopper that airlifted the boy to the hospital.
The United States Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were notified of the incident.
His condition is unclear as of Tuesday morning.
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