Man attacked by shark at Florida Navy base

A Navy base employee was attacked by a shark while swimming near a marina in Panama City, Florida, suffering extensive injuries to both arms, according to base officials.

The attack happened at about 11:45 a.m. on Monday just offshore from the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marina at Naval Support Activity Panama City, which is located on St. Andrews Bay in the Florida Panhandle.

Officials said the victim is an employee at the base and had gone swimming during his lunch break. He works at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division.

“On Monday, the team received a 911 call for a drowning victim, and then when federal fire arrived, it was actually a shark attack victim,” said Capt. Tristan Oliveira, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Oliveira said several people were near the marina and helped provide aid before the victim was taken to HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital.

Video circulating on social media and shared by local media outlets appeared to show the victim struggling in the water near the marina.

“Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family, and we want to send our appreciation to the first responders who rendered initial aid and made sure that the victim was properly and expeditiously brought to HCA Gulf Coast Hospital,” Oliveira said.

The victim, described as a man in his 20s, suffered extensive injuries to both arms and underwent surgery. Officials said they do not know what type of shark was involved.