Overview
- A civilian employee of the Naval Surface Warfare Center–Panama City Division was severely bitten while swimming on his lunch break near the Naval Support Activity Panama City marina and was flown to HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital for emergency surgery.
- The attack occurred during the late-morning hours on Monday and left the man with major injuries to both arms; he remains in critical condition after surgery, base officials said.
- Bystander cellphone video and a 911 call released by authorities show the victim calling for help as a dorsal fin was visible near the water and responders rendered aid at the scene.
- The Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and NOAA are jointly investigating the incident and have not yet identified the species of shark involved.
- NOAA researchers note the Gulf coast has seasonal nursery areas that bring more sharks closer to shore but say unprovoked attacks are rare, and the episode could prompt the base to review waterfront safety and accelerate discussion of a public shark-alert system.