In a concerning occurrence, a young man has been the target of an apparent shark attack while swimming at a popular U.S. beach.
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Another shark episode disrupts the tranquility at Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
A swimmer, Sean Barton, found himself face-to-face with what is strongly believed to be a shark, needing 11 stitches to patch up his leg.
A potential shark bite incident struck at Sunset Beach just after 11 a.m. on May 28, 2025.
The notorious spot, near the 31st Street beach access, witnessed moments of panic as first responders arrived and found Sean Barton, a 26-year-old visitor from New Mexico, conscious yet in pain.
Barton, who had been enjoying a morning swim, felt a sudden sharp pain while riding a wave and immediately acted to reach the shore.
Prompt response from the Sunset Beach Fire Department and Beach Rescue Team ensured Barton received the necessary medical care on the spot.
While Barton was whisked away for further treatment and observation, his family, present at the scene, claimed to have seen a shark in the water post-attack.
Despite the fearsome experience, Barton expressed a determined spirit to continue swimming with increased caution.
“[I] just got done riding an epic wave and then felt a shark or something bite my leg, and at that moment I was like, I think I just got bit by a shark, and I didn’t see anything and I just kind of turned and immediately started running, tried to get into shore as quickly as I could,” the man said.
Barton required 11 stitches, yet the full extent of his injuries remains undisclosed.
However, a doctor’s evaluation suggested the wound’s appearance was indeed consistent with a shark bite, adding weight to the family’s alarming sighting of the predator.
Instances like this remind us of the hidden dangers lurking off the sun-kissed shores.
Officials haven’t released extra details about Barton but continue to advise caution for beachgoers in the area.
They emphasize the natural presence of marine life as part of the beautiful, yet unpredictable ocean ecosystem.
Swimmer recovering after being bitten by what family says was a shark at Sunset Beach, NC: "..I tried to get to the shore as quickly as I could". https://t.co/CTssbkCt7W #nc pic.twitter.com/8zHQasRlKJ
— Jon Evans (@JonEvansWECT) May 29, 2025
While no additional shark sightings have been reported, the reminder of last year’s 28 unprovoked shark bites in the U.S., with one fatality, deepens the call for awareness.
“Marine life, including sharks, are natural inhabitants of these waters, and it’s crucial to take precautions to minimize potential risks,” officials said.
Sunset Beach officials urge vigilance, reinforcing their messages of precaution amid these rare yet shocking encounters.
