‘Calf was just gone’: Sharks bite four across US as revellers celebrate July 4

A shark has bitten three people in an “unprecedented” incident, while a separate shark bit another person across state lines in Florida.

A shark has bitten three people off a southern Texas beach in an “unprecedented” incident, while a separate shark bit another person across state lines in Florida.

Three were bitten in the Texas city of South Padre Island during July 4 celebrations, with the shark later located and “pushed out to deeper water”.

“It’s unprecedented here on South Padre Island,” Fire Chief Jim Pigg said, according to CNN.

He said the bites happened at different times and locations on Thursday.

Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting “a severe shark bite to the leg” shortly before midday, city spokesman Nikki Soto told local media.

The victim was taken to a local hospital.

Firefighters found two people had been bitten by a shark after a second 911 call, Mr Pigg said.

They were also taken to a hospital.

Kyle Jud filmed the shark in the water as a helicopter and a boat patrolled.

Kyle Jud, 46, told local media a woman was pulled from the water, her “calf was just gone.”

“(It was) shredded. Horrific,” he explained.

He posted a video of a shark in the water as a helicopter and a boat patrolled.

“Shark encounters of this nature are not a common occurrence in Texas,” the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said.

“When bites from sharks do occur, they are usually a case of mistaken identity by sharks looking for food.”

Mr Pigg added authorities were unsure of the type of the type of shark involved dark involved.

Mr Pigg said people in South Padre Island, a beach town of around 2,000, should go no deeper than knee-deep.

South Padre Island Mayor Patrick McNulty said, “Our hearts and prayers are with the injured and their families and we hope for a speedy recovery.” 

In New Smyrna Beach, Florida, a 21-year-old Ohio man was bitten by a shark while playing football in knee-deep water around 4pm, according to Tamra Malphurs, interim director of Volusia County Beach Safety.

His injuries were thought to be non life-threatening.