Two central Alabama girls injured in shark attack in Walton County Florida

Two shark attacks in Walton County, Florida. Two victims from Birmingham area critically injured. Community prayer service scheduled. Sharks spotted near beach.

Walton County, Florida was the site of two terrifying shark attacks on Friday, leaving three victims in critical condition. Shockingly, two of the victims, Lulu Gribbin and McCray Faust, are from the Birmingham area. The community has come together to support these two girls, with a prayer service scheduled for Sunday, June 9 at 4 p.m. in the pavilion.

The first attack occurred around 1:20 p.m. when a 45-year-old woman was swimming near the first sandbar in Watersound Beach. She suffered severe injuries to her midsection, pelvic area, and left lower arm, requiring immediate treatment on the beach before being airlifted to HCA Fort Walton Beach Medical Center in critical condition.

Just over an hour later, the second attack took place in Seacrest Beach, about four miles away from the first incident. Gribbin and McCray were in waist-deep water near the first sandbar when they were attacked. One victim sustained injuries to both upper and lower extremities, necessitating tourniquets and air transport to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. The other victim suffered flesh wounds to her right foot and was taken to Ascension Bay Medical Center in stable condition.

Following the attacks, an aerial search by the Panama City Beach Police Department and Bay County Sheriff's Office revealed a significant presence of sharks, particularly bull sharks, near the first sandbar. The incidents have left the community in shock and raised concerns about beach safety in the area.