BOCA GRANDE, Fla. (WFLA) — A family vacation took a terrifying turn after a 9-year-old girl was attacked by a shark in the waters off Boca Grande.

Video from Eagle 8 HD showed the calm, turquoise water where Leah Lendal’s family vacation turned into a nightmare.

“We saw the shark rushing in the water, it was right there, right behind her,” said witness Raynel Lugo. “We were trying to get her out… it was still chasing her.”

Lugo, who was nearby, jumped into action.

“Yes, I helped little Leah to get out of the water,” he said. “I thought it was someone drowning —then we saw the shark and the blood coming from her hands. That’s when we knew it was serious.”

Lugo also dialed 911. The urgency in his voice was clear in the call.

“Is anyone injured by that shark?” the operator asked.

“Yes, the shark bit the arm of the little kid,” Lugo replied.

He says that while all of it was happening, he only had one mission: Get the kids out of the water.

A nearby construction worker also rushed over after hearing screams.

“When I heard them yelling, ‘Help, help,’ that’s when we ran out and saw the little girl crying,” he said. “Everybody was in shock.”

Marine Biologist Deby Cassill from the University of South Florida said shark sightings may increase this time of year.

“They are hungrier this time of year, and anything moving or splashing will attract their attention,” she explained.

Cassill recommends families stick to busier beaches where sharks are less likely to approach.

“Go to beaches where there is a large population of other people,” she said. “It could reduce the chances of an encounter.”

Leah Lendal remained hospitalized Thursday with her family awaiting her recovery. Leah’s family said she nearly lost her hand in the attack. Surgeons managed to reattach her hand after a six-hour surgery.