Texas Teen Recounts Harrowing Shark Encounter Near Galveston Island

A Texas teenager was severely injured in a shark attack while boating with his father during the Memorial Day weekend. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident occurring around 3:15 p.m. on a Monday, as confirmed by ABC 13, when they informed the U.S. Coast Guard of a 17-year-old boy’s attack off the coast of Galveston Island.

The teenager, his father, and another person were on a boat approximately two hours from shore when the shark bit him, as reported by FOX 61. Authorities stated that the teen was attempting to pull the shark onto the boat at the time of the attack.

Following the attack, the boy’s father acted quickly by applying a tourniquet and heading towards the Galveston Yacht Basin. Unfortunately, the boat became disabled near Gulf jetties, leading to an emergency response by the Coast Guard. The rescue team applied an additional tourniquet to control the bleeding and safely transported the teen back to shore.

Upon returning to land, the boy was conscious and taken to the University of Texas Medical Branch for further medical care, as reported by ABC 13. Details about the severity of the injuries and the type of shark involved have not yet been disclosed by authorities.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Galveston County Sheriff’s Office have not provided further comments to Fox News Digital. For more information or to follow updates, contact Julia Bonavita, a U.S. writer for Fox News Digital, who can be reached at [email protected].