A 9-year-old girl, Leah Lendel, suffered a severe shark bite while snorkeling at a Boca Grande beach, nearly severing her hand. Doctors at Tampa General Hospital successfully reattached Leah's hand after a 4 ½ hour surgery. Quick action by first responders and the shark's clean bite aided in the successful reattachment.

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. — The family of 9-year-old Leah Lendel, who was attacked by a shark in Florida on June 11, is expressing heartfelt gratitude to doctors at Tampa General Hospital for performing a “miracle” surgery that saved her hand.

Image via Shutterstock A 9-year-old girl was attacked by a shark while on a family vacation to Boca Grande, Florida. Following the traumatic attack, she had to undergo emergency surgery on her hand. In a video statement,