A TEENAGER IS in a critical condition after being bitten by a shark off the coast of North Carolina.

Saturday’s attack is the latest in a string of shark attacks along the east coast.

The 18-year-old is the sixth victim of a shark attack in just two weeks, and the second in as many days.

A hospital spokeswoman says the latest victim arrived in critical risk of dying, but his condition has improved.

Injuries 

The park service said the teen suffered injuries to his right calf, buttocks and both hands while swimming with friends.

The attack comes one day after a 47-year-old man was injured in a separate shark attack in the same area Friday morning.

The man had been swimming with others when the attack happened. He was bitten on his right leg and lower back, according to CNN.

Earlier this month, two other teenagers lost limbs in similar attacks.

A 12-year-old girl was attacked and a 16-year-old boy was attacked less than two hours later about two miles away.

The girl lost part of her arm and suffered a leg injury, and the boy lost his left arm, officials said. It was unclear whether the same shark attacked the victims.

Last week, officials in that state have been reluctant to close beaches and warn swimmers. In Surf City, North Carolina, where one of the attacks occurred, town leaders said they did not believe the threat warranted such actions.

Additional reporting Christina Finn 

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