KEY LARGO, Fla. — Medics airlifted a boy to a Miami hospital after a shark bit him while he was snorkeling and spearfishing with his family off Key Largo Monday afternoon, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the 8-year-old was spearfishing with his father and sister off Horseshoe Reef, near Ocean Reef, just before 3:30 p.m., when the shark bit him.
Key Largo Fire Rescue officials said he a sustained multiple bites to his leg, including above the knee, and to his arm.
A nearby dive vessel operated by Horizon Divers helped guide the family back to Garden Cove Marina, where Trauma Star medics met him before airlifting the boy to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
MCSO officials haven’t released additional details about the boy’s condition, but Key Largo Fire Rescue officials said the injuries were very serious, which the boy underwent surgery for.
Officials said they notified the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the incident.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
