GALVESTON, Texas, July 28 (UPI) -- A 19-year-old swimmer has been bitten in the second shark attack this week on the upper Texas Gulf coast.
Erika Hailey, of Tiki Island, was treated for a bite on her right foot after the incident off the Galveston beach late Tuesday, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Officials speculated the shark might have been after schools of fish feeding in the area, the same reason an 11-year-old boy was attacked Sunday while fishing.
Hailey was treated at the scene, then taken to John Sealy Hospital in Galveston. A beach patrol officer said the wound was "significant" but not life threatening. Her family said she was in good spirits and wanted to go home.
Aaron Perez, the boy who was attacked Sunday at Bryan Beach, was in fair condition at Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital in Houston where a surgeon reattached his right arm. Doctors hope he will retain full use of his hand.
Nearly 20 shark bites have been reported on the Texas coast since 1980, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
