A woman, aged 50, fell victim to what appears to be a shark attack at Rockaway Beach on Monday evening, causing a significant injury, as reported by officials and sources familiar with the incident, various local NY outlets reported.

The incident occurred near the entrance of Beach 59th Street in Queens when the woman was in the water around 6 p.m. During the encounter, she suffered a deep gash on her leg. The situation quickly escalated, with her leg bleeding profusely, prompting rescuers to apply a tourniquet. In response to the severity of her condition, she was swiftly transported to Jamaica Hospital for treatment.

Preliminary assessments by authorities suggest that the incident was likely a shark attack. Although the FDNY confirmed their response to a patient with a “major injury” at the beach, official details from the city’s Parks & Recreation Department were not immediately available.

In recent years, shark sightings have become increasingly common in the waters of Queens and Long Island. Notably, in June, beachgoers were compelled to exit the water for approximately an hour due to a shark sighting in the Hammels section of Rockaway Beach. A witness, Chip Newell, recalled the incident, mentioning that the shark was seen about 50 yards offshore, prompting authorities to clear the water and dispatch helicopters to the scene.

This isn’t the first time that shark sightings have disrupted activities at Rockaway Beach. In July 2022, during a heatwave, the Parks Department temporarily closed Rockaway Beach due to multiple shark sightings.

The summer of the same year also witnessed several reported shark attacks on Long Island, amplifying concerns about the safety of beachgoers in the region. As the incidents continue to draw attention, the local communities and authorities are grappling with the challenge of ensuring the safety of those enjoying the waters while sharing the environment with marine life.