Shark Warnings Rise as Bites Hit Hilton Head Amid Heat Wave

Hilton Head Island, USA - On June 24, 2025, the Carolinas are grappling with a variety of headlines, from intense heat alerts to unsettling incidents at the beach. Five people were hospitalized following a flight from Miami that landed at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Sunday night. The cause of these hospitalizations has not been disclosed, but the matter is concerning for all travelers and airport officials in the area. In another perplexing incident, an 18-year-old in Charlotte is now facing charges for assault with a deadly weapon, accused of throwing a flaming firework at an officer during a street takeover.

Meanwhile, the summer heat is taking center stage, with temperatures climbing toward the 100-degree mark. Most counties across the Carolinas are under heat alerts, with the heat index possibly reaching an oppressive 105+ degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday. As if that wasn’t enough for beachgoers to worry about, shark attacks are back in the news as well.

Shark Attack Reports in South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is making headlines with two recent shark bites reported just days apart. An unsettling trend for local residents and visitors alike, as WBTV reports a 12-year-old girl was bitten while swimming in the waters off the island on June 17. The injury, a laceration to her lower right leg, has raised alarms as these incidents have become increasingly common in the area.

According to SharkSider, Hilton Head has seen a string of incidents, with a notable increase in shark-human interactions along South Carolina’s coast. Just last year alone, South Carolina recorded two unprovoked bites—considerably fewer than its neighbor, Florida, which leads the pack with 28 cases in 2024, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Understanding Shark Attacks

The overall risk of being bitten by a shark remains exceedingly low. The Florida Museum indicates that 88 alleged shark-human interactions were investigated globally in 2024, with only 47 classified as unprovoked bites—again, predominantly occurring in waters off Florida. Despite the rise of attention to such attacks, the museum confirmed only 7 fatalities globally in 2024, with the U.S. having a share of 28 unprovoked bites, amounting to 60% of the world’s total. In comparison to previous years, there is a marked decrease in both bites and fatalities.

This summer, South Carolina beachgoers should remain vigilant while enjoying the warm waters. Awareness is key in preventing further incidents as educators and local authorities work together to inform the public about safety precautions to take while swimming, especially in areas where shark sightings are more frequent.

As things heat up on land and in the sea, both residents and tourists are encouraged to stay hydrated, aware, and safe. Whether it’s at the airport or the beach, staying vigilant is a good deal more crucial than ever.