A 14-year-old boy was bitten by a shark at North Topsail Beach on Sunday, North Topsail Beach Police Chief William Younginer said.
Younginer said the attack happened at about 12:30 p.m. at beach access 4, located at 484 New River Inlet Road.
He was bitten below the knee on his right leg, emergency personnel were already on the beach responding to another call, so they were able to get to the teen quickly and apply a tourniquet, authorities said.
The water was murky, and the victim was unable to see or identify what kind of shark it was, and the police chief said there haven’t been any other reports of attacks or sightings.
The victim was transported to the nearest trauma center at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital and taken into surgery for his injuries. Younginer said he’s expected to be released either Monday or Tuesday.