Woman hospitalized with possible shark bite on Martha’s Vineyard

A swimmer suffered a leg injury believed to be from a shark bite Monday afternoon, according to officials on Martha’s Vineyard. James Hagerty, town administrator in Edgartown, Massachusetts, said emergency crews responded around 1:40 p.m. to Norton Point after a woman in her late 20s was injured. The wounds to the woman’s leg are consistent with a marine animal’s bite, but no shark or other animal was observed, Hagerty said. He added that the woman’s injuries are non-life-threatening and do not involve the loss of a leg. The incident left South Beach closed to swimmers for several hours as the town assesses safety conditions. “The Town appreciates the prompt response of emergency personnel and beach staff,” Hagerty wrote. “Beachgoers are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings while in the water and to comply with instructions from lifeguards and any posted beach advisories.”