A routine lunch-break swim at Naval Support Activity Panama City turned into a life-threatening emergency Monday when a shark attacked a base employee near the installation’s MWR marina, leaving him with severe arm injuries and rushing first responders into action.
The incident unfolded around 11:45 a.m. when the man, described by base officials as in his late 20s, was swimming with a coworker who was not hurt, according to WJHG. Naval Support Activity Panama City Fire and Emergency Services transported the victim to HCA Gulf Coast Hospital, where surgeons operated on serious injuries to both of his arms.
"Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family," Commanding Officer Tristan Oliveria said as he publicly thanked first responders, WJHG reported. Oliveria added that the installation would put the safety of its people first while officials work to understand exactly what happened.
The Bay County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are now investigating the encounter, according to CBS News Miami. Investigators are reviewing what witnesses saw and any available video as they piece together the chain of events.
Where it happened
The attack occurred at the MWR Marina along the waterfront of Naval Support Activity Panama City on St. Andrews Bay, a working port that serves both training and recreation for sailors and their families. The base, which lists its address as 101 Vernon Avenue in Panama City Beach, hosts tenant commands that include the Naval Surface Warfare Center‑Panama City Division, according to the installation listing for Naval Support Activity Panama City.
Shark attacks in context
Florida regularly records more shark bites than any other state in the country, yet such encounters are still rare when compared with how many people swim, surf and boat in its waters, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File. In its 2025 summary, the museum reported that global unprovoked shark bites had returned to close to average numbers after a quieter 2024, a reminder that while these incidents grab headlines they remain uncommon.
What investigators will look for
State and federal wildlife and public-safety teams typically focus on basic questions: which species was likely involved, what exactly unfolded and whether anything people were doing in the water played a role. In this case, Bay County authorities, FWC and NOAA are coordinating with base officials as part of a joint review, CBS News Miami reported. Depending on their findings, they can suggest temporary changes to marina and waterfront access.
Advice for swimmers
The International Shark Attack File urges swimmers to stick with straightforward safety habits, such as avoiding the water at dawn and dusk, staying in groups and steering clear of spots where fish or birds are actively feeding. ISAF's "How to Avoid a Shark Attack" guidance also highlights small decisions that can shave down risk even further, including skipping shiny jewelry and staying away from steep underwater drop-offs. Officials advise following directions from local lifeguards and base authorities while the current investigation runs its course.
The attack has shaken the tight-knit base community, and leaders say their attention is on the employee’s recovery and on getting clear answers about the incident. Installation officials have publicly thanked first responders and asked for patience as investigators continue their work.
