Young Snorkeler Bitten by Lemon Shark Off Praslin, Seychelles

On March 2, 2023, a six-year-old boy visiting from France experienced a severe shark bite while snorkeling near Grande Sœur, a private island off Praslin in the Seychelles. The incident occurred in the afternoon when the child was in approximately 30 centimeters of water, roughly one meter from shore, between snorkeling sessions. A lemon shark approached and bit the boy's left foot, causing immediate and significant bleeding. Witnesses to the incident included family members and crew from the snorkeling excursion. Quick action by those present proved critical—they applied a compressive bandage at the scene and transported the child by boat to the nearest medical facility, a journey of approximately 45 minutes. Following initial assessment, the boy was evacuated to Victoria on Mahé, the capital island of Seychelles. Surgeons performed a two-hour reconstructive operation on his foot. After returning to France, he received specialized follow-up care at Necker Children's Hospital in Paris. Medical professionals anticipated he would regain the ability to walk within approximately two months of the incident. The attack was unprovoked and classified as a shark bite incident rather than a fatal attack. This case highlights both the risks associated with water activities in shark-inhabited areas and the importance of immediate medical response in minimizing long-term injury.