8-year-old boy injured after shark bite in Key Largo

On September 1, 2025, an 8-year-old boy was airlifted to a Miami hospital following a shark attack while snorkeling near Key Largo, Florida. The incident occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. near the Garden Cove Marina, as confirmed by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. The boy suffered injuries to his leg after being bitten by the shark, prompting immediate emergency response from first responders, including the airlift to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center. Authorities reported that the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were notified about the incident. This shark bite marks a concerning trend of shark encounters in the Florida Keys region, as multiple incidents have been reported in the past. The boy was snorkeling near Ocean Reef when the shark attacked him, specifically biting him above the knee. While first responders worked swiftly to transport him to the hospital, the precise nature and severity of his injuries remain unknown. The local officials have stated that this is the first recorded shark bite incident in Monroe County since a similar event a year prior, where a spearfisher survived multiple bites from a bull shark near Key West. The incident has raised awareness about the presence of various shark species in the waters around Monroe County, which include Great Whites, Bull sharks, Hammerheads, and Tiger sharks. The increase in shark encounters may correlate with local environmental factors and human activities in the waters of the Florida Keys. Following the attack, officials have cautioned beachgoers and snorkelers about the potential dangers of shark interactions while enjoying the ocean. As this situation develops, updates regarding the boy's condition are eagerly awaited by the public. The authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and have called for increased vigilance in the area as shark activity can fluctuate based on various environmental factors, including water temperature and food availability. Community engagement and education on safe snorkeling practices may help mitigate future shark encounters, highlighting the importance of respecting marine life while enjoying recreational activities in their habitats.