Posted by on October 10, 2004 at 17:27:03:
A shark bit a surfer's leg Sunday morning at Point Reyes National Seashore and as a result, the beaches where the attack occurred will be closed at least until Friday, according to park service officials.
The attack occurred around 9:30 a.m. between Limantour and Drakes beaches, according to park Superintendent Don Neubacher.
The victim's legs were hanging over the sides of his surfboard when the 6- to 8-foot shark grabbed one of his lower legs.
After hitting the shark on the head, the victim's leg was freed, and he was able to swim to shore on his own, park service officials said.
Based on the shark's reported behavior, park officials believe it was a great white, Neubacher said.
Around 10:30 a.m., the injured man was airlifted to a local hospital via Sonoma County Henry 1 helicopter. Neubacher said the man's injuries did not appear to be life threatening.
No other shark sightings have been reported since this morning.
If there are no additional shark sightings, Limantour and Drakes beaches will be opened around 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Neubacher said.
From 1950 through 1999, an average of 2.1 shark attacks occurred annually along the state coastline, according to the park service. Of the 106 attacks during this period, only 11 were fatal.
The last attack at Point Reyes National Seashore took place at Tomales Point in 1996. Park officials report the abalone diver attacked in that incident survived his injuries.