In a harrowing incident off the coast of Florida, a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel was attacked by a shark while snorkeling near Boca Grande with her family. The attack, captured on a sheriff’s deputy’s body-worn camera, left Leah’s hand severely injured, with her mother, Nadia Lendel, describing the moment as seeing “her hand hanging … and just blood everywhere.” Construction workers nearby came to their aid, wrapping a towel around Leah’s hand and calling for emergency help.

Leah was quickly airlifted to a hospital in Tampa for extensive treatment, including a long surgery to save her wrist and fingers. In a remarkable turn of events, Nadia Lendel later shared on Instagram that Leah was able to move all her fingers, calling it a “miracle.”

Despite this terrifying incident, statistics show that shark attacks like Leah’s are on the decline. The Florida Museum of Natural History reported a decrease in unprovoked shark bites in 2024 compared to previous years, with Florida being a hotspot for such incidents. The bravery and resilience displayed by Leah during the ordeal have been commended by witnesses and first responders, with one bystander noting her calm demeanor and strength throughout the ordeal.

As Leah continues her recovery journey, the incident serves as a reminder of the rare but serious risks posed by shark encounters, highlighting the importance of awareness and quick response in such situations.