Authorities reportedly believe a shark attacked four beachgoers in South Padre Island, Texas, on the Fourth of July.

Two of the victims were bitten and one suffered minor scratches, according to multiple reports, while the fourth managed to fight off the shark but required stitches after the attack, local ABC affiliate reported. About KRGV5report.

Rainer Cardenas, the stepfather of one of the victims, recounted the horrific events.

“I turned around and he wasn't there anymore,” he told KRGV5. “I started swimming towards him and he jumped out of the water going, 'Shark, shark, shark,' and that's when the adrenaline kicked in. I started swimming after him.” (Related article: Man who escaped shark attack fights back and survives: Report)

Cardenas managed to rescue her stepson with the help of passersby and brought him to shore.

The incident shocked local residents, and Texas authorities said shark attacks are rare in the area.

“I've lived here 14 years and I've never seen anything like this,” South Padre Island Fire Chief Jim Pigg said, according to KRGV 5.

“The sharks were on the southern end of the island and were forced out into deeper waters,” Pigg said. Said Fox 9. “This is a very unusual occurrence on the South Padre beach. There have been no reported sightings or encounters in the past few hours, but we remain vigilant.”

Meanwhile, on South Padre Island, it was a tragic Fourth of July for some. pic.twitter.com/onx10cvwZ0

— J LpZ (@janelpz30) July 4, 2024

Video footage taken by beachgoers shows the aftermath of the attack: In one clip, a woman is seen lying in the water, bleeding from a shark-bitten calf, as bystanders apply a makeshift tourniquet.

Shark attacks occur about once a year in Texas. Shark CiderThis incident is an exception: in 2023, 69 random shark attacks were recorded. Florida Museum.