A Wareham man is the latest victim of a shark attack that took place off North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Wednesday. 

Andrew Costello, 67, tried to fight off the animal and sustained injuries to his ribcage, hip, lower leg and both hands, reported Justin Gibbs, the director of emergency services in Hyde County.

"The individual was actually located right in front of the lifeguard tower when it occurred," said Gibbs of the attack that occurred at a beach on Oracoke Island, "He was pulled under by the shark. He was bit several times." Witnesses say the shark was about 7 feet long.


The victim was swimming approximately 30 feet shore with his adult son when the attack took place, the National Park Service said.

Costello is in fair condition at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina.

This attack is one of seven in the past three weeks off the North Carolina coast, the most attacks seen in at least 15 years.

Additional reporting by Victoria Meneses

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