Shark sightings in Myrtle Beach: 6 key lessons we've learned

Recent shark sightings in Myrtle Beach spotlight the need for public awareness of both shark behavior and marine safety measures. Reports of stranded or injured sharks highlight the importance of not intervening without expert consultation, with officials urging individuals to prioritize safety and contact wildlife authorities. While unprovoked shark attacks remain infrequent, Myrtle Beach's history of interactions, including recent minor incidents and rankings as a potentially dangerous beach, shows the balance between human activity and natural marine habitats.

The presence of various shark species and other marine life along the coast reflects seasonal migratory trends, emphasizing the coexistence of people and wildlife in the area. These events underscore the importance of conservation and clear guidelines for public safety in marine environments.

Founders Group International owns about 20 acres of undeveloped oceanfront land from North Ocean Boulevard between Grand Dunes Ocean Club and Vista del Mar at Grande Dunes. By Janet Blackmon Morgan

NO. 1: FACT CHECK: A REPORTED SHARK BITE IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC AREA. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Myrtle Beach Fire Department responded to an incident Wednesday morning. Crews helped an injured person who said they were bitten in the ocean. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

A shark stranded in shallow water in Myrtle Beach on Sept. 16. Courtesy of Randi Willard.

NO. 2: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND A STRANDED SHARK? THIS IS WHAT SC EXPERTS RECOMMEND

Is it safe to help a shark stuck on the beach back into the water? Here’s what a marine biologist says you should do if you find one stranded. | Published September 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

Beachgoers search for seashells along Springmaid Beach in the southern end of Myrtle Beach, SC. By Jeff Siner

NO. 3: SHELLS, SHARK TEETH & MORE: WHICH SOUVENIRS CAN YOU LEGALLY TAKE FROM MYRTLE BEACH, SC?

Beaches in Myrtle Beach offer a wealth of free, beautiful mementos. Here’s what you can legally bring home from your beach vacation. | Published December 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

A red flag flies from a lifeguard stand at 12th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach where a man was treated for a shark bite this afternoon. A 42-year-old Delaware man said that he was bitten on the foot by what he identified as being a three to five foot long shark at 12th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach this afternoon. A witness said he saw the victim yell, jump and stagger as he came in from the ocean with a bleeding foot. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. By JASON LEE

NO. 4: SC BEACH RANKED AMONG TOP DANGEROUS IN US. IT’S ONLY STATE BEACH ON LIST TOPPED BY FLORIDA

Myrtle Beach was ranked as one of the top dangerous beaches in the U.S. Here’s why we were placed on list among other Florida beaches. | Published November 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

Anne Bonny, a 425 lb. juvenile white shark tagged on April 21, 2023 by OCEARCH off Ocracoke, N.C., has been pinging off the coast of South Carolina in January, 2025.

NO. 5: GREAT WHITE SHARK SPOTTED OFF THE MYRTLE BEACH COAST. WHAT ELSE IS IN SC WATERS THIS FEBRUARY?

Migrating and local animals converge in the Atlantic Ocean off of South Carolina this time of year. Here’s what’s out beneath the waves in the Myrtle Beach area. | Published February 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.