A Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City employee was last described by authorities as being in “critical condition” following a shark attack on Monday morning.
The attack occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. June 8 at the NSAPC MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) Marina. The victim, described in local reports as a male in his late 20’s who has been with the Navy base for four years, was taking a swim during his lunch break. It remains unknown what breed of shark was involved.
Post-attack, he was tended to by NSA Panama City Fire and Emergency Services that responded to the incident, according to a Facebook post about the incident issued on NSA Panama City’s Facebook page. The base has not publicly issued any updates, via social media or otherwise.
Zachary Harris, the NSA Panama City public affairs officer, told Military.com on Wednesday that the identity of the victim, in addition to any updates on his condition, could not be provided.
“Naval Support Activity Panama City Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Tristan Oliveria has ordered all recreational swimming activities in the installation waterways be halted while an evaluation is made to determine if more safety precautions are warranted,” Harris said.
He added that the base is working closely with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee, NOAA, and the Bay County Sheriff’s office to make a determination of best practices moving forward.
Harris deferred medical questions to HCA Florida Gulf Coast, where the individual was transported immediately after the attack. Military.com reached out to the hospital for comment.
More Details Emerge, Remain Limited
Oliveria said the victim sustained injuries on both arms, though details regarding the extent of damage were not provided, according to WJHG in Panama City. The second individual who was swimming with the victim was not hurt.
“First and foremost, our prayers and thoughts go out to the family, and we want to send our appreciation to the first responders who rendered initial aid and made sure that the victim was properly and expeditiously taken to HCA Gulf Coast Hospital,” Oliveria said, according to WJHG. “We continue to have the safety of all our personnel paramount in all the operations we do on base.”
WMBB News 13 in Panama City, citing Oliveria, reported that there were “a few personnel” in the area and in proximity to the marina who helped render aid to the victim. He relayed how a 911 call sounded following the incident.
“On Monday, the team received a 911 call for a drowning victim. And then when Federal Fire arrived at the station, it was actually a shark attack victim,” Oliveria said.
The commander encouraged others to be wary of the local beach environment and keep their eyes peeled for any presence of marine life or or difficult waters.
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