Shark attacks swimmer off South Florida beach

MIAMI, Fla. - A man was hospitalized Sunday after being bitten by a shark off Haulover Beach in South Florida.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials say the shark was spotted around 3 p.m. headed close to shore. "We started closing down the beach and actually bringing everybody into shore, flying double red flags in our tower," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told WSVN.

The victim was attacked as beachgoers were being evacuated. He had deep gashes to his legs but he is expected to be OK, WSVN reported.

Officials say the man was able to get out of the water and get aid from lifeguards.

This is the first reported shark attack at Haulover Beach, officials said. “After some research, I’ve never seen an unprovoked shark attack in Miami-Dade County," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Matthew Sparling.

Officials say the bull shark was 4-to-5 feet.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.