North Carolina: Man airlifted to hospital after 7th reported shark attack

A seventh shark attack has been reported in North Carolina, with the latest victim being a 68-year-old man who was bitten several times, authorities said. The man, who was swimming in the Outer Banks, was allegedly pulled underwater by the shark.

The unidentified man was airlifted from Ocracoke Island to Vidant Medical Center Greenville for treatment, ABC News reported. According to the National Park Service, the man had been swimming 23 to 30 feet from the beach in waist-deep water along with his adult son.

Hyde County's statement revealed that the shark, about six or seven feet long, approached the man as he was swimming. "The shark pulled him under the water and the man sustained several bites to his rib cage, hip, lower leg and both hands," the statement read.

The Washington Post reported the man was able to swim closer to the shore, where he was rescued by lifeguards. Hyde County EMS spokesman Justin Gibbs told Fox affiliate WGHP that a doctor at the beach was able to stablise the man. The victim was conscious as he was airlifted to the hospital and was able to give a description of the attack, ABC News reported.

No other swimmers were injured during the attack.

"There are many inherent dangers while swimming in ocean or sound waters," the National Part Service said in a statement. "Swimmers are advised to be aware of conditions and their surroundings."

While the attack was the seventh shark incident in North Carolina, there have been several other attacks in neighbouring states. According to ABC affiliate WCIV, a 12-year-old boy was bitten on his left by a shark in South Carolina and required first aid for minor injuries.

According to the Washington Post, two people, a 47-year-old man and a teenage boy, were attacked by sharks over the weekend off the coast of the Outer Banks.