‘It was still chasing her': 9-year-old girl attacked by shark while swimming at Florida beach
BOCA GRANDE, Fla. (WFLA) — A family vacation took a terrifying turn after a 9-year-old girl was attacked by a shark in the waters off Boca Grande.
Video from Eagle 8 HD showed the calm, turquoise water where Leah Lendel's family vacation turned into a nightmare.
9-year-old girl recovering at Tampa hospital after hand torn off by shark, family says
'We saw the shark rushing in the water, it was right there, right behind her,' said witness Raynel Lugo. 'We were trying to get her out… it was still chasing her.'
Lugo, who was nearby, jumped into action.
'Yes, I helped little Leah to get out of the water,' he said. 'I thought it was someone drowning —then we saw the shark and the blood coming from her hands. That's when we knew it was serious.'
Lugo also dialed 911. The urgency in his voice was clear in the call.
'Is anyone injured by that shark?' the operator asked.
'Yes, the shark bit the arm of the little kid,' Lugo replied.
'I didn't think at all,' Lugo added. 'The whole thing was: get the kids out of the water.'
911 call released after 9-year-old girl attacked by shark at Florida beach
A nearby construction worker also rushed over after hearing screams.
'When I heard them yelling, 'Help, help,' that's when we ran out and saw the little girl crying,' he said. 'Everybody was in shock.'
Marine Biologist Deby Cassill from the University of South Florida said shark sightings may increase this time of year.
'They are hungrier this time of year, and anything moving or splashing will attract their attention,' she explained.
Cassill recommends families stick to busier beaches where sharks are less likely to approach.
'Go to beaches where there is a large population of other people,' she said. 'It could reduce the chances of an encounter.'
Leah Lendel remained hospitalized Thursday with her family awaiting her recovery. Leah's family said she nearly lost her hand in the attack. Surgeons managed to reattach her hand after a six-hour surgery.
The Lendel family provided the following statement Thursday night:
'We want to say Thank You to everyone that is praying for our sweet Leah. We are thankful for the quick response of everyone that was on scene, the construction workers and residents that ran out to help and the first responders and to all the doctors/nurses that are doing everything to help our girl.
Yesterday Leah had an extensive surgery on her hand (wrist & fingers). The doctors were able to get blood flow to her hand and fingers. She is showing some movement in two fingers but can't feel the rest. The doctors will be doing another procedure tomorrow to see if there is anything else that needs to be done.
The fact that Leah has all her fingers attached is already a testimony. From witnessing her wrist hanging on by just the skin, to have blood flow in all of her hand and fingers is truly a miracle.
Please keep praying for our family, our God is a miracle worker.'
The Lendel family
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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