Maggie Drozdowski, a Pennsylvania girl surfing for the first time in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, suffered non-life-threatening injuries consistent with a shark attack, resulting in lacerations to her foot and calf that required six stitches.

Who is Maggie Drozdowski?

Fifteen-year-old Maggie Drozdowski, along with her friend Sarah O’Donnell and their families, visited Stone Harbor, New Jersey, for a surfing weekend. While approximately 50 feet from the shore on 109th Street, Maggie felt an object on her leg while hanging from her surfboard. She initially believed it was a crab but realized it was something larger when her entire foot was in its mouth. After about five seconds, the creature released its grip, and Maggie paddled back to the shore.

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Maggie observed a significant piece of missing skin on the back of her leg and sought medical attention. Emergency teams promptly rescued her from the water and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she received six stitches for lacerations to her foot and calf. None of her injuries were life-threatening.

Although she did not see the creature, marine wildlife experts from Stone Harbor examined her wounds and concluded that they were consistent with a shark bite.

Stockton University marine science professor Steve Nagiewicz stated that Maggie’s injuries resembled a bite from a small shark that likely did not intend to target a human. He explained that sharks can differentiate between their prey and humans, and encounters with humans occur when both share the same food source.

Nagiewicz affirms that she did precisely the right thing by aggressively shaking and hitting the shark, causing it to release its grip.

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Maggie’s mother, Lisa Drozdowski, reflects on the incident with a mix of disbelief and understanding. It is an unreal experience to comprehend, and while she can’t imagine going into the ocean again, she acknowledges that her family will likely spend more time on dry land this summer.

Stone Harbor officials have not imposed any beach activity restrictions as a result of the incident. Though, they are investigating the incident to determine the type of shark involved. The beach remains open, but officials are urging caution to individuals entering the water.