Shark attack on South Padre Island leaves several people hurt on Fourth of July

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — Several people were hurt in a shark attack on Thursday along South Padre Island, according to officials.

Texas Game Warden Captain Chris Dowdy said four people were bitten in the attack which was reported near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill.

According to Dowdy, officials believe that one shark was responsible for all four of the incidents, which happened in a span of about two hours.

Authorities said the U.S. Coast Guard has deployed drones, boats and helicopters to conduct surveillance in the area to keep the waters safe from further attacks.

“Currently, the South Padre Island Beach Patrol, fire and police departments are patrolling the shoreline and utilizing drones,” the South Padres Island city secretary confirmed to the Associated Press.

Dowdy said the shark escaped to open waters and that there is no plan to contain the shark at this time.