The Dorsal Fin

Border Surfriders Association is reporting that a 16-year-old member of their surfing team was bitten by a shark off of Second Beach, Port Saint Johns, South Africa. The victim was able to catch a wave and attempted to reach the shore after the attack. Tragically, he died as a result of blood loss before lifeguards and rescue craft were able to reach him.

According to BSA, this marks the fifth attack (four of which have been fatal) off of Second Beach in the past three years. There was no mention of the species responsible for the attack.

BSA’s Malcome Logie described the victim as “a young guy, full of spirit and always ready for a laugh. He was always willing to help his teammates and enjoyed giving the younger surfers encouragement and advice. Border was looking to him to play a leading role in our team this year. His passing leaves us numb and with a huge sense of loss.”

Wavescape: Surfing South Africa has information about a support fund for the victim’s family and community. The funds collected will be used to help assist with funeral costs and grief counseling for the family and Port St Johns community.

The Herald Sun is reporting that a South African man disappeared after being attacked by a shark off the coast of Port St. Johns. Witnesses reported seeing the man waving his hands frantically before disappearing under the water, leaving only a cloud of blood behind. The victim’s surfboard washed ashore and was retrieved, according to John Costello at the National Sea Rescue Institute. The NSRI are investigating the disappearance but no signs of the victim have turned up. The species involved can not be identified, since there are no bite marks to analyze. This is the second attack at the popular South African beach this year, according to the Herald Sun report. In January, a 26-year old lifeguard was fatally attacked by a bull shark.