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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 24, 2026Miami-Dade

Man airlifted to Southwest Miami-Dade following shark bite near Key West

A 43-year-old man was transported by air to Jackson South Medical Center in Southwest Miami-Dade after sustaining a shark bite to his lower leg near Boca Grande Key. The victim received emergency aid from bystanders and Monroe County Fire Rescue before being flown 128 miles for further treatment.

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Read the full story at WSVN 7 News Miami

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the emergency response coordination between the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire rescue, and regional trauma centers for maritime medical emergencies.

Key Facts

  • A 43-year-old man sustained a shark bite to his lower leg while swimming near Boca Grande Key on Sunday evening.
  • Bystanders applied a tourniquet to the victim's leg to control an arterial bleed.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard escorted the boat carrying the victim to a pier.
  • Monroe County Fire Rescue provided initial medical care upon the boat's arrival at the pier.
  • The victim was airlifted 128 miles to Jackson South Medical Center in Southwest Miami-Dade.
  • As of Monday evening, the victim is reported to be in stable condition.

Who's Mentioned

other43“Age of the victim.”other128“Distance in miles the patient was airlifted.”locationBoca Grande Key“Location of the shark bite incident.”organizationMonroe County Fire Rescue“Emergency responders who met the patient at the pier.”organizationU.S. Coast Guard“Coordinated the transport of the victim's boat to the pier.”locationJackson South Medical Center“Hospital in Southwest Miami-Dade where the patient was transported.”