Shark Attack Injures Surfer in Florida, Marks Second Reported Bite of the Year
A surfer was hospitalized after being bitten by a shark off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on Sunday, July 6 — marking the state's second documented shark attack on a person in 2025. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. in waters near the popular surf destination located south of Daytona Beach in Volusia County.
The victim, a 40-year-old man from Winter Park, was in the ocean when the shark struck, biting his right forearm. According to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, the man was able to exit the water and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have confirmed that the injuries are not life-threatening.Victim Identified by Friends, Rumors of Severe Injury Denied
Following the incident, confusion spread online with rumors suggesting that the victim may have lost a limb. However, close friends of the surfer quickly moved to dispel these false claims. In a Facebook post, the Raw Surf business shared an update identifying the injured man as Matt Bender.“Our good friend and fellow waterman @Matt_Bender was bit by a shark today while surfing in New Smyrna,” the post stated. “His hand was NOT bitten off — he's doing good considering, but he was injured and needs our support and prayers right now.”Bender’s condition is being monitored at the hospital as he recovers. Beach authorities have not released further details about his medical treatment or the extent of the injury beyond confirming it was not fatal.Shark Species Involved Remains Unknown
As of Monday, officials had not identified the species of shark involved in the attack. USA TODAY reached out to Volusia County Beach Safety for clarification, but no specific details had been provided at the time of reporting.New Smyrna Beach is often cited as one of the shark bite capitals of the world, partly due to the large number of surfers and beachgoers sharing waters with marine life. Still, most bites in the area are minor and non-fatal.Florida Sees Second Shark-Related Injury in 2025
This latest incident is the second confirmed shark-related injury involving a human in Florida so far in 2025. The first occurred on June 11, when a 9-year-old girl was bitten near Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida. That young victim nearly lost her hand but ultimately survived the ordeal.According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there were 47 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2024, resulting in four deaths, including one in the U.S. On average, about 65 such incidents are recorded globally each year, with roughly six fatalities.While shark attacks remain rare, experts advise swimmers and surfers to remain cautious, especially during peak summer months when water activity increases and fish — a primary shark food source — are more abundant near the shore.Authorities Urge Caution But Stress Rarity of Incidents
Though frightening, officials emphasize that shark attacks on humans are statistically uncommon. Marine experts point out that most shark bites occur when sharks mistake humans for prey. Beachgoers are advised to avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, stay in groups, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing in the water.Volusia County Beach Safety is continuing to monitor the area, though no immediate closures have been announced. Updates will be provided as more information about the shark species and investigation becomes available.
A surfer was hospitalized after being bitten by a shark off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on Sunday, July 6 — marking the state's second documented shark attack on a person in 2025. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. in waters near the popular surf destination located south of Daytona Beach in Volusia County.
The victim, a 40-year-old man from Winter Park, was in the ocean when the shark struck, biting his right forearm. According to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, the man was able to exit the water and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have confirmed that the injuries are not life-threatening.Victim Identified by Friends, Rumors of Severe Injury DeniedFollowing the incident, confusion spread online with rumors suggesting that the victim may have lost a limb. However, close friends of the surfer quickly moved to dispel these false claims. In a Facebook post, the Raw Surf business shared an update identifying the injured man as Matt Bender.“Our good friend and fellow waterman @Matt_Bender was bit by a shark today while surfing in New Smyrna,” the post stated. “His hand was NOT bitten off — he's doing good considering, but he was injured and needs our support and prayers right now.”Bender’s condition is being monitored at the hospital as he recovers. Beach authorities have not released further details about his medical treatment or the extent of the injury beyond confirming it was not fatal.Shark Species Involved Remains Unknown
As of Monday, officials had not identified the species of shark involved in the attack. USA TODAY reached out to Volusia County Beach Safety for clarification, but no specific details had been provided at the time of reporting.New Smyrna Beach is often cited as one of the shark bite capitals of the world, partly due to the large number of surfers and beachgoers sharing waters with marine life. Still, most bites in the area are minor and non-fatal.Florida Sees Second Shark-Related Injury in 2025
This latest incident is the second confirmed shark-related injury involving a human in Florida so far in 2025. The first occurred on June 11, when a 9-year-old girl was bitten near Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida. That young victim nearly lost her hand but ultimately survived the ordeal.According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there were 47 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2024, resulting in four deaths, including one in the U.S. On average, about 65 such incidents are recorded globally each year, with roughly six fatalities.While shark attacks remain rare, experts advise swimmers and surfers to remain cautious, especially during peak summer months when water activity increases and fish — a primary shark food source — are more abundant near the shore.Authorities Urge Caution But Stress Rarity of Incidents
Though frightening, officials emphasize that shark attacks on humans are statistically uncommon. Marine experts point out that most shark bites occur when sharks mistake humans for prey. Beachgoers are advised to avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, stay in groups, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing in the water.Volusia County Beach Safety is continuing to monitor the area, though no immediate closures have been announced. Updates will be provided as more information about the shark species and investigation becomes available.
