local
‘A traumatic scene:’ Bystanders rush to help teenager bitten by a shark
By KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 5, 2026
· 2 min read
LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) - Bystanders on a nearby dock provided first aid to a teenager bitten by a shark as they awaited first responders.The U.S. Coast Guard in Charleston said crews responded to reports of a shark bite near Ossabaw Island at about 4:06 p.m. Wednesday. They said wat...
Key takeaway Coast Guard in Charleston said crews responded to reports of a shark bite near Ossabaw Island at about 4:06 p.
Why this matters in The Midland
For Midland residents who enjoy water activities in nearby lakes or travel to coastal areas, the incident in Liberty County, Georgia, is a stark reminder of the potential dangers that exist in water environments. Although shark attacks are rare, the fact that bystanders were able to provide critical first aid in this situation highlights the importance of being prepared for emergencies, even in recreational settings. In Midland, where outdoor recreation is a popular pastime, it's crucial for residents to be aware of their surroundings and know how to respond in case of an emergency. The quick thinking and actions of Terry Tatum and BJ Comer in this incident demonstrate the value of having basic first aid training and being able to act swiftly in traumatic situations. As Midland continues to grow and attract outdoor enthusiasts, it's essential to prioritize water safety and emergency preparedness in local communities.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) - Bystanders on a nearby dock provided first aid to a teenager bitten by a shark as they awaited first responders.The U.S. Coast Guard in Charleston said crews responded to reports of a shark bite near Ossabaw Island at about 4:06 p.m. Wednesday. They said wat...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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