The Dorsal Fin

YouTube user SeabearVideo has posted a video which opens with the sub-title “Possible Great White Shark Tries to Attack Surfer” and then goes on to feature some surf footage during which a dark shape can be seen swimming alongside one surfer catching a wave and then underneath another surfer paddling in the opposite direction.

The footage was shot near San Diego, according to the video description, so the presence of a white shark in that area this time of year certainly wouldn’t be unheard of. However, the shadowy shape is fairly indiscernible in the video. So, is this just a shark or other marine animal out for a swim or could it possibly be a white shark attempting to attack one of the surfers? If you’ve got an opinion on it, sound off in the comments.

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.

Oregon’s KCBY 11 recently ran the above feature on the coexistent of surfers and great white sharks. While there isn’t anything really groundbreaking or new in this feature, the story does objectively present information about human encounters with white sharks, without going over the top. Insight about shark attacks on surfers is provided by Jan Hodder of the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, in which she briefly discusses the nature of white shark’s ambush attack method and theories of mistaken identity when surfers and surfboards are sometimes hit by white sharks.

The article also offers up first-hand accounts of surfer, Dale Inskeep, who has had multiple white shark encounters while surfing. Inskeep clearly recognizes the seriousness of instances of hit-and-run attacks on surfboards. In 1993, Inskeep’s surfboard was bit by a white shark that was estimated to be 17′ (5m) in length. Inskeep is now doing more stand-up paddle boarding these days, but KCBY quotes him as saying that he views white sharks as “amazing animals” and feels “blessed” to have been able to see them up-close on 4 occasions.

Australian teen surfer Jake Davies was bitten on the foot by a bull shark according to Ten News. After the shark initially bit his foot, it “attempted two more attacks” according to a news.com.au report. Despite the news.com.au story claiming that Davies “almost had his leg bitten off,” the teen did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. Davies did suffer puncture wounds requiring stitches which he hopes to have removed on Monday. After the stitches are removed, Davies said he’ll likely be “straight back out there in the water.” Kudos to Davies for the positive attitude.

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.