Apparent shark attack on teen surfing in South Carolina

MURRELLS INLET, S.C., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A 15-year-old boy was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Thursday after he was apparently bitten by a small shark off the coast of South Carolina, emergency officials said.

The boy, whose name wasn't reported, was surfing near Murrells Inlet when he was bitten on the leg. Capt. Jerry Howerton with Murrells Inlet Garden City Fire Rescue told WMBF-TV in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the teen also sustained a bite on his hand when he tried to push the apparent shark away.

The incident took place in about chest-deep water, WPDE-TV in Florence, S.C., reported.

Authorities have not confirmed the species of shark or other animal that attacked the teen.