‘Gigantic’ Shark Mauls Surfer’s Legs at Northern California Beach
On Wednesday, just after 5 p.m., a surfer in Northern California was attacked by a shark and suffered serious injuries to both legs and required hospitalization.
Accordingly local newsThe victim, identified as James Eastman, is a 39-year-old local high school teacher. Additionally, the immediate response of fellow surfers on the beach following the attack may have saved Eastman’s life.
The Mendocino Beach News continued: “One witness described the shark as ‘huge’ visible from shore. Some reported that the shark struck the victim, what witnesses said was a local man multiple times, and then surrounded him and other surfers.”
After the attack, Eastman spoke from his hospital bed. Good Morning America:
“I could see the shark’s head just above the water. I thought about my wife and child and I was like, ‘I can’t die. I can’t die right now.'”
No confirmation of the shark’s species has been officially identified, although it is likely a great white given its known presence in Northern California. The extent of the injuries beyond the injury to both legs was revealed.
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The California State Lifeguards wrote about the incident:
“A surfer at Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park suffered a shark bite around 5:18 yesterday afternoon (3/18). Three off-duty lifeguards helped the victim out of the water and provided medical assistance per their training. The victim was surfing and suffered injuries to both legs. He was taken to a hospital in Fort Bragg.
“This incident highlights the importance of having ocean lifeguard programs, and we thank our lifeguards for their quick, heroic actions. Lifeguards are an essential part of EMS and the first responder network along northern California’s rural coastline. Although rare, shark bites are one of many different types of emergencies that our lifeguards are trained to respond to and treat.”
Lifeguards added that the surrounding beaches were closed for 48 hours after the attack and that they were collecting evidence for the investigation.
On his recovery, Eastman added:
“I love surfing and I would be very sad if I never surfed again. As far as everything else is concerned, I’ve been extremely lucky.”
Related: Bull Shark Goes Wild During Florida Jet Ski Attack (Video)
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