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NewsWSVN 7 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 was stabilized by bystanders and emergency responders before being flown 128 miles for further medical treatment.

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Read the full story at WSVN 7 Miami

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the coordination between local emergency services, the U.S. Coast Guard, and regional trauma centers in responding to 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, including nurses on the scene, 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 met the boat at the pier to provide further assistance.
  • 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 where the shark bite occurred.”organizationMonroe County Fire Rescue“Emergency responders who met the victim at the pier.”organizationU.S. Coast Guard“Coordinated the transport of the victim's boat to the pier.”locationJackson South Medical Center“Hospital where the victim was transported.”