A shark left an unnamed civilian worker at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City Naval base in Panama City, Florida, in critical condition Monday morning at around 11:45 a.m. while he was going for a swim on his lunch break.
The individual described to be in his late twenties was swimming near the marina accompanied by a colleague during his downtime for lunch when he was attacked by a shark, WJHG reported. He suffered wounds on both arms and was rushed to HCA Gulf Coast Hospital for emergency surgery while the other person was not hurt, Tristan Oliveria, commanding officer for the NSA Panama City, told the outlet.
When the man left the base in an ambulance, he was in critical condition, Zach Harris, director of public affairs at NSA Panama, confirmed to the Daily Caller in a phone brief on the situation. (RELATED: Navy Investigating Death Of 20-Year-Old Midshipman At Naval Academy)
Harris provided no other health updates, nor identification details regarding the victim as of publication.
There is a reported video of the attack circulating on social media captured by local fisherman, according to MyPanhandle.com.
“We have never seen anything like this on base before,” Harris said. (RELATED: First Time ‘Elusive’ Great White Shark Caught On Video Off Rhode Island Coast)
The attack occurred adjacent to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marina at the base.
At the marina, near where the victim was swimming, there are posted signs that warn people to essentially swim at their own risk, Harris told the Caller. Harris also noted that there are no lifeguards present to oversee these waters.
An NSA Panama City employee is in critical condition after being attacked by a shark Monday morning at around 11:45 a.m.https://t.co/SKA3KLlIoU pic.twitter.com/C5tlaEeCGg
— USFRA.org (@usfraorg) June 9, 2026
Since the attack, Bay County Emergency Services has posted purple warning flags along the beach to warn swimmers about the dangerous marine creatures that linger in the waters down below, Mypanhandle.com noted.
The base will be discussing potential policies to prevent attacks like this, Harris suggested.
When the Caller asked if the base will bar workers from swimming in the area during their lunch break, Harris said potential policies would not be so “granular.”
“Our people are our most important asset,” Harris said. He expressed thoughts and prayers for the worker and characterized the attack as a “tragedy.”
The victim has been employed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center for four years, the website noted.
Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office are all investigating the incident.
There is no information available regarding the species of the shark behind the gruesome attack.