Young Girl Fights for Hand After Boca Grande Shark Encounter

Nine-year-old Leah Lendel was enjoying a family snorkeling trip Wednesday when her day turned into a nightmare that required emergency surgery and a helicopter ride to Tampa.

The Boca Grande waters looked peaceful enough. Leah's mother, Nadia, kept watch over two toddlers in their floaties just four feet away while her husband snorkeled with their other children nearby. Normal family beach day—until Leah's scream cut through the afternoon calm.

Moments That Changed Everything

Leah had gone underwater to explore, something she'd probably done dozens of times before. When she surfaced, blood covered her right hand up to the wrist. The damage was severe—her hand mostly torn off, according to family accounts.

Nadia faced every parent's worst fear. Her injured daughter needed immediate help, but she couldn't abandon the toddlers she was holding. Panic and maternal instinct kicked in simultaneously.