Getty Images - Definitely NOT the shark that attacked this girl
(CNN) — A 6-year-old girl is faring better a day after a shark attack put her in critical condition, the family said Wednesday. The girl, who was rushed to Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, Tuesday and listed in critical condition Wednesday morning, was listed in good condition Wednesday evening, according to CNN affiliate WCTI in New Bern, North Carolina. A family member said she was in “good spirits.”
“I hate sharks,” said the girl, according to family. “I like dolphins way better.”
She was bitten on her right leg and foot Tuesday while playing in the shallow waters on the shore of Ocracoke Island, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Witnesses, including the girl’s mother, saw the incident from nearby and got her medical attention swiftly, according to authorities.
“Late afternoon and early morning are the most common times of day to see these sharks so close to shore,” said Ranger Kenny Ballance of nearby Cape Hatteras National Seashore. “There has not been a shark attack recorded on Ocracoke in over 35 years, but there was one further north in Avon (on the Outer Banks) in 2001.”
The National Park Service, Hyde County EMS and the Ocracoke Fire Department responded to the scene, according to WCTI. “I’m proud of the way the three responding groups worked together to get this patient quickly off the island,” said Brian Carter, Hyde County deputy emergency services director. “By calling for a helicopter early as possible and offering top care while the patient was on the island, we gave her the best chance for recovery that we could.”
The family will not issue any new updates to the girl’s condition, their statement said. No other swimmers were reported injured and no closings were reported as a result of the incident.
Shark attacks are scary, no doubt. But the only reason I put this post up is because it has the quote of the year. In response to getting attacked by a shark, the 6 year old responded as only a 6 year old could. “I hate sharks, I like dolphins way better.” Way better. Love this freaking kid. Praying for her quick and full recovery.
-bp