The Dorsal Fin

According to multiple news outlets, a 38-year-old Stuart, Florida man died after suffering multiple shark bites while kite surfing near Stuart Beach. A lifeguard spotted the man in distress and paddled out to him where he was being circled by several sharks, according to WFLX.com. Despite the rescue efforts of the lifeguard, the man was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.

While an attack of this nature is almost unheard of in Florida waters, particularly this time of year, the loss of life is no less tragic. My thoughts go out to the victim’s family and friends.

According to News24.com, a surfer has died after suffering a shark bite to his right leg, while surfing Glentana and Outeniqua, near Mossel Bay, today. The species of shark involved in the attack is not known at this time, according to the report. The victim was brought ashore by a friend who had been surfing with him. According to National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, the victim was airlifted to George Provincial Hospital in critical condition. After all efforts to save the man’s life were exhausted, he was declared deceased at the hospital. Lambinon made the following statement regarding the tragedy:

"The NSRI and the emergency services have expressed our deepest sympathies to the family of the victim."

This is the kind of story that you never want to see, and while the odds of a fatal shark attack are highly unlikely, those odds are of little consolation to the people who are directly affected by such a rare event. My sympathies go out to the friends and family of the victim.