Teenage girl injured in Fla. shark attack

NEW SMYMA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A 13-year-old girl suffered injuries to her leg after a shark attacked her off the coast of New Smyma Beach, Fla., authorities said.

Capt. Scott Petersohn of the Volusia County Beach Patrol said the girl, whose name was not released, was left with a 3-inch gash on her leg and several puncture wounds after the shark attack, The Orlando Sentinel reported Wednesday.

Petersohn said Tuesday's attack occurred as the New York girl was in an area of shallow water where a large group of "bait fish" was swimming. "There were tons of bait fish out there," he said.

He said the presence of the fish had already drawn several dolphins and pelicans to the area, signs that experienced swimmers would recognize as a warning sign to exit the water.

The Sentinel said the attack marked the 16th shark attack in the Florida county so far this year.