Visitors, surf instructors react to eighth shark attack

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — A Camp Lejeune Marine is recovering from an apparent shark attack in Surf City.

A base spokesman said the latest incident happened on July 4. This makes eight reported shark attacks in our state this year. The base spokesman said a 32-year-old Marine went to the Naval Hospital around 10:30 Saturday night with injuries to his right hand and forearm.

This is now the second shark bite in Surf City in a couple of weeks and it’s affecting businesses and visitors. It is keeping Hampstead resident Elsie Zapf out of the water.

“I’m scared,” Zapf said. “I’m concerned.”

The base spokesman said the 32 year old marine was treated for lacerations to his right hand and forearm. They said his injuries are non-life threatening and he was later released.

Zapf says, while she plans to stay out of the water, she hasn’t been able to keep her granddaughter Kayla, 12, out.

“I’m concerned,” Zapf said. “I wish there was something we could do about it, but here I am letting her out there.”

Kayla is taking surf lessons with the On Shore Surf Shop Instructor Neil Carmichael. He says the attacks are something on everybody’s mind.

“It is always in the back of your mind being out there, but you have to just keep an eye on your surroundings and let it go,” Carmichael said.

On Shore Surf shop Owner George Howard says it has created some concern, but it hasn’t affected their business too much.

“For us in general it’s not too bad, but I am hearing stories from other boys that have surf camps here on the island that they are having cancellations,” Howard said. “The parents, they are concerned.”

Carmichael says it’s his job to make the parents and students feel comfortable.

“Normally, it’s in the back of your mind, but as a surf instructor you have to let people know you are confident going out there and in your ability,” Carmichael said.

That’s why Zapf says she’ll continue to let Kayla surf, but she’ll be watching from the sand.

“It’s a wonderful sport,” Zapf said. “I think with everything going on in the world, we need to enjoy every day with the best of our ability,” Zapf said.

Neither the Surf City Police Department nor Pender County EMS had any report of this latest shark attack. The Naval Hospital said a friend drove the Marine to the hospital, but they have not released where the attack actually happened at this time.