Photo: Chase Baker // Unsplash
A Northern California surfer experienced every waterman’s nightmare this week. Though little has been officially announced about the incident, eyewitness accounts describe brutal injuries inflicted by a massive shark.
The enounter occurred off Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park, just south of Mendocino. Around 5:15 p.m., California State Parks officials received a report of a 39-year-old surfer being bitten in the legs by a shark. In addition to state Parks, CAL FIRE, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, Mendocino Fire Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also responded to the incident. As KTVU reports, three off-duty lifeguards happened to be surfing nearby and also provided assistance.
According to Mendocino Coast News, eyewitnesses from the shore described the shark as “gigantic.” Onlookers also described seeing the shark circling rescuers as they retrieved the victim.
The injured surfer was taken to a hospital in Fort Bragg. As of publication, an update on his condition has not yet been provided. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife is continuing to investigate the event.