Multiple shark attacks — one that authorities said was serious — dampened the Fourth of July holiday for swimmers near the coast of south Texas.

The most severe biting off the shores of South Padre Island occurred Thursday around 11 a.m., according to The Associated Press. The victim was treated on location by firefighters and then taken to a local hospital. His status as of Thursday evening was unknown.

Witnesses said the fish that attacked the man was roughly six feet long. It’s unclear what kind of shark was responsible.

Three other shark attacks were reported on Thursday over the span of two hours, said Game Warden Capt. Chris Dowdy, who noted it had been five years since the last attack in the area.

Officials patrolled the beaches and used drones over the water to monitor shores throughout the day.

In March, a 14-foot great white shark was spotted near South Padre Island, according to local radio station KNFM. That 3,000-lb. predator reportedly came within 100 yards of the beach.

With News Wire Services