On June 11, 2025, a family snorkeling trip off the coast of Boca Grande, Florida, turned into a nightmare when 9-year-old Leah Lendel was severely injured in a shark attack.

The incident occurred around noon near the 2200 block of Shore Lane, when Leah was swimming with her family.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing her screams for help and witnessing the water turn red with blood. A construction worker at the scene described the moment as “like something out of a nightmare”.

Boca Grande Beach on Gasparilla Island in Florida.Credit : LagunaticPhoto/Getty

Leah’s mother, Nadia Lendel, a mommy blogger with nearly 100,000 Instagram followers, was snorkeling nearby with her children when the attack occurred.

Upon hearing Leah’s screams, Nadia rushed to her daughter’s side, where she discovered the severity of the injury. Leah’s right hand was nearly severed, and she was bleeding profusely. Despite the traumatic injury, Leah remained conscious and alert.

Her father and other family members quickly assisted in getting her to shore. Bystanders, including beachgoers Raynel Lugo and Alfonso Tello, provided immediate help by applying a makeshift tourniquet to slow the bleeding until paramedics arrived.

Leah Lendel, 9, was attacked by a shark that nearly ripped her hand off.GoFundMe

Emergency responders airlifted Leah to a trauma center in Tampa, approximately 100 miles away, where she underwent a six-hour emergency surgery.

Surgeons successfully reattached her hand, using arteries from her leg to restore blood flow and inserting pins to stabilize the bones. Leah’s mother later shared an emotional update, expressing gratitude for the medical team’s efforts and relief that Leah could move her fingers post-surgery .

The shark involved in the attack is believed to be an eight-foot bull shark, a species known for its aggressive nature and adaptability to both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Bull sharks are common along Florida’s coasts, especially during tarpon season, which increases shark activity in the area. Florida leads the U.S. in unprovoked shark bites, though incidents like Leah’s remain rare .

In the aftermath of the attack, Leah’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her medical expenses. The fundraiser has already raised over $20,000, with donations pouring in from across the country.

The Lendel family expressed gratitude for the quick response of emergency crews and the skill of the medical team, stating, “She is now stable and fighting hard for her road to recovery.”

Source: Instagram/miss.lendel

The incident has prompted local officials to remind the public of the potential risks associated with swimming in Florida’s coastal waters, particularly during tarpon season when shark activity increases. While shark attacks remain rare, authorities continue to monitor local waters and advise beachgoers to exercise caution.

 

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A post shared by Nadia Lendel (@miss.lendel)

As Leah continues her recovery, the community has rallied around her, offering support and encouragement. Despite the traumatic experience, Leah’s bravery and resilience have inspired many. Her journey serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.