Shark bites woman off Melbourne Beach

A shark bit a woman on her right hand just after 3:30 p.m. Sunday off the beach end of Ocean Avenue, Brevard County Fire Rescue District Chief Josh Shepherd said.

The woman, who was in her early 20s, told paramedics that the shark was 2 or 3 feet long. She said the shark "swatted" at her with its fin, then turned and bit her hand, Shepherd said.

The woman was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne for treatment. Shepherd described her wound as "a pretty significant bite," but she should be OK.

Neither Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief Jeff Scabarozi nor Assistant Chief Eisen Witcher returned messages seeking comment.