Shark Bite Victim Talks; To Be Released From Hospital

Save

Posted: 12:15 PM Jul 10, 2008
Last Updated: 9:29 PM Jul 11, 2008
Reporter: Bill Wilson

12 comments

A | A | A

A 14-year-old girl who was bitten by a shark Wednesday night is now warning others not to do what she did.

Baileigh Foster is expected to be released from Carteret General Hospital later today after Wednesday night's attack.

Foster, who lives in Sneads Ferry, was staying with relatives at Emerald Isle this week. Authorities say around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night a shark bit the teenager's foot.

Foster tells WITN News that people should not go into the ocean that time of night, saying she knew it was wrong. Experts say sharks feed in the early eveing and it's not a good time to go swimming.

She says she was out with several other relatives and started drifting off by herself when she felt something bite down on her foot. Foster says at first she thought it was an oyster shell, but then she felt a stabbing pain. That's when the teen ran out of the water screaming.

Foster tells WITN that she is most worried the bite will impact her ability to play soccer this fall at Dixon High School. But her doctor says after recovering from surgery the 14-year-old should be okay to play in the fall.

Watch WITN News at 5 & 6 tonight for more of Baileigh Foster's story.

Thursday's Story

Authorities say a 14-year old girl was bitten by what is believed to be a shark in the water at Emerald Isle.

Baleigh Foster of Sneads Ferry is recuperating at Carteret General Hospital and her family expects her to be released later this afternoon.

WITN News will have Foster's story tonight at 5 & 6.

The attack happened Wednesday night around 7:30 pm.

According to emergency personnel reports, Foster was bitten while in the water between Sea Dunes and Ocean Oaks Drives.

Emerald Isle says the girl was bitten on the foot, causing cuts and possible damage to ligaments and tendons.

Fosterl was taken to Carteret General Hospital. A hospital doctor told authorities the bite was likely from a shark.

The 14-year-old is in stable condition at the hospital.

More Stories
House Fire Kills One In Lillington

Former D.C. Mayor Barry Charged With Stalking

Hospital Worker Tests Positive For Swine Flu

Charlotte Habitat Group Buys, Remodels Houses

Sheriff's Office: Fishermen Nab Thieves

Memorial Parade On Ocracoke Island

Overnight Shooting In Downtown Greenville

OFFICIALS: Husband And Wife Dead After Murder-Suicide

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Trudy Location: Gulf Shores, AL on Jul 14, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Baleigh, I know your grandma Delores and have watched you grow through pictures!!! I wish you well!!!! Hope you can play soccer! Take care!!

Posted by: J Location: gville on Jul 13, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Im so tired of people always blaming sharks. People always cry Shark when you CANNOT see the bottom. Its ridiculous.

Posted by: Shane phillips Location: jacksonville on Jul 11, 2008 at 06:19 PM
I know that girl i go to school with her :)

Posted by: yellow journalism Location: greenville on Jul 11, 2008 at 05:30 PM
I do not think the shark pictured in the background is anywhere close to the animal that bit this girl. That animal looks like something from Sharkweek on the discover channel. Please consider deleating it.

Posted by: Me Location: Greenville on Jul 11, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I travel to Atlantic Beach just about every other Saturday. When on the first Saturday of June I took my child to the bathroom at the public access while my husband stayed behind in the water while we were gone he felt something hit his foot he quickly realized it was a shark. That particular day there were millions of fish in the water and their were fishermen in boats all over the place really close into the shore line... when you swim in the ocean you have to realize their are sharks in there and you need to remain cautious at all times... this wasn't at dusk or dawn.

Posted by: john Location: greenville nc on Jul 11, 2008 at 01:11 PM
On June 29 we had 2 children in the surf at Atlantic Beach when a 6 foot Bull shark was between them and the beach. Atlantic Beach Police road up of a ATV they were told of this. The police did NOTHING! Just kept on riding, did not warn other swimmers around us. This was 2:30pm and the adults a group of 20 ran down the beach to warn others because the police did not.One of the children was touched by the shark but not bitten. This was in less than 3 feet of water. There were several experienced fihsermen at the scene.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Antlantic beach,Nc on Jul 11, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I hope you get better.We try to go to the beach but are mom always says that there is shrks everywhere but it turns out that she was right.So get better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Lisa Location: Atlantic Beach,NC on Jul 10, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Not only Dusk but this is happening more often and during the noon hours..I am hopeing for a pool..Hope you are up and about soon!

Posted by: Connie Location: OBX on Jul 10, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Thats why you don't get in the water at dusk!

Posted by: Kunke Location: Columbus, Ohio on Jul 10, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Holy Crap!!!! I was in that water a week ago....

Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 10, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Hope you are up and going real soon.

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Jul 10, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Good luck "little bit", get well.

Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.

	CarSoup Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.

	Rental Guide Video tours to help you find your next apartment.

	Double Dollar Deals Save 50% from local merchants.

	Classifieds THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.

	Experts Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.

	Business Break Two minutes of info from local businesses.

	Attorneys On Call Free legal information on a variety of topics.

	Video Home Tours Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.