shark

By AMELIA A. HART
amelia.hart@mynassausun.com

FERNANDINA BEACH — A visiting Birmingham, Ala., woman apparently was bitten by a shark this morning in the ocean of Beach Access 39 opposite Ozell Avenue.

Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Bunch said the woman, identified in a Fernandina Beach Police press release as Jennifer Castion, told him she was wading about chest deep in the water around 11 a.m. when she felt something grab her leg.

After a struggle, it let her leg go, Bunch said. Once ashore, the woman’s husband wrapped her leg in a towel, took her to the nearby beach house where they were staying and called 911, he said.

A Birmingham, Ala., woman apparently was bitten by a shark this morning while wading in the ocean off Fernandina Beach near beach access No. 39.

The incident occurred at about 11:10 a.m., according to a press release this afternoon.

Police have identified the victim as Jennifer Castion. She received severe lacerations to both sides of her lower right calf and was transported to Shands Jacksonville.

“Dangerous Conditions” and “Dangerous Marine Life” flags have been placed at all guarded areas at city’s beaches.

Location supervisors are now patrolling the beaches to alert other beachgoers of the potential danger and to advise them to use caution or elect not to swim today.

The beach has not been closed and swimming is still being permitted.

According to police, air surveillance the length of the island Amelia Island revealed no sign of sharks. The local Civil Air Patrol has been asked to keep an eye on the shoreline and to report any sightings throughout the weekend.

Lifeguards will monitor the ocean throughout the weekend and will report any changes in conditions or access by the public.

Call Fire Rescue at 277-7332 for updates.