Sponsored Links:
REUTERS
An undated photo of a Great White shark. Photo: Reuters
The man who was attacked by a shark off Fish Hoek in Cape Town was in a critical condition on Wednesday night after losing both his legs in a shark attack.
Witnesses said the man, named as Michael Cohen, had gone swimming despite warnings that a shark was circling close to the beach.
The 43-year-old is said to have swum regularly at Fish Hoek beach, notorious for great white shark sightings, even telling fellow beachgoers: “If a shark takes me, then blame me, not the shark.''
Witnesses said he parked his car and then walked right past a flag indicating that the beach was closed. At least two people warned him that a shark had been seen, but he strode into the water anyway.
Tracy Sassen, a former South African surfing champion, watched as Cohen was taken by the four-metre shark only a few metresfrom the beach.
“I saw two swimmers in the sea, even though the beach was closed,” she said. “I saw a burst of water and thought it was a seal taking a fish or something. Then people started rushing into the sea and pulling this guy out of the water. He was moaning and crying and pleading with them, ‘Please help me, please help me’.
“He was very white and in shock. Half of one leg was missing and the ankle on the other leg was badly bitten.”
Monwabisi Sikweyiya, one of the shark-spotters who guards the bay each day, helped drag Cohen from the water and used his own shorts and belt as tourniquets.
He said of the victim: “He was very interested in sharks and respected them, but never took any notice of our warnings.
“We warned him often that he was taking a risk, but he always said ‘If a shark takes me, then blame me, not the shark’.”
The shark remained in the bay for some time after the attack and the beach will remain closed indefinitely. Sharks have claimed a number of swimmers and surfers there in recent years.
Last night Cohen was expected to undergo at least six hours of surgery in Cape Town for “very serious injuries”. It is believed the keen swimmer, who is single, was born in Canada but holds a British passport and spent several years living in the UK before moving to South Africa. The latest incident comes just weeks after British honeymooner Ian Redmond, 30, was killed by a shark as his bride watched him snorkelling in the Seychelles. - Daily Mail
|
|
ROD, wrote
If all the so called facts in this article are true, then I feel this guy should be held responsible for his actions – Besides endangering himself and indebting the state with expensive rescue services etc., which could have been put to better use, he has also directly endangered the lives of those that ended up saving him! Warnings should not suffice in these situations; legal processes should hopefully be in place, so that inconsiderate and reckless actions (considering all the so called facts are true) are held accountable in all regards – Preventive & post.
LukeJohn, wrote
Let's get this into perspective. How many attacks have been recorded at Fish Hoek in the past 300+ years? I think 3-4. Considering the many thousands that regularly swim, surf and sail there and at nearby beaches, that's a pretty good record. Far more people have been killed or seriously injured driving tofrom the beaches.
Wombat, wrote
Wombat, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
What concerns me is that people like this give sharks a bad reputation. Now, becuase of him, more people start thinking that the sharks should be killed because they are dangerous etc etc .. people must think before they act
Anonymous, wrote
a, wrote
Can we have Fish Hoek's name changed to Shark Hoek, maybe the flags are not good enough warning.
Olehile, wrote
Chris, wrote
You can't really say that he wasn't warned about the shark. @Mark "never walk again"? Ever heard of Oscar Pistorius? Mr Cohen lost half of his one leg, so I assume he'd be an ideal candidate for prosthetic limbs.
Art, wrote
Would you go for a nice cross country jog in the Kruger National park in your undies? Nope. Sharks are the Lions of the ocean, people tend to forget that.
Mark, wrote
You people are all sick, an athletic man will never walk again, but you guys still feel the need to make jokes about him (so what if it was his fault. Shame on you all. What a pathetic bunch of readers.
Andy , wrote
Hey everyone who takes a dip around Cape Town is at some point taking a chance, ok so the ante was up a bit with this guy as a shark had been seen close by. He knew the rules and took the chance, he doesn't have a leg to stand on. Sorry couldn't resist.
Anonymous, wrote
What an IDIOT!!!! Putting other peoples lives in danger. And now he has to get preferential treatment above people who really deserve it. They should have left him to the sharks.
SR, wrote
Jillian, wrote
If I see a sign that says "Sharks!Do not swim in these waters", I take it as a warning, not a challenge!
Saffa, wrote
dugsbaws, wrote
Firoz, wrote
Di, wrote
Elsabe, wrote
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Services
Buying a car has never been easy. Motoring.co.za contains a large database of car listings with a user friendly search.
Start searching today »
Business Directory
You are here: IOL / News / South Africa / Western Cape / ‘If a shark takes me, blame me, not the shark’
We like to make your life easier
Mobile
Browse IOL on your phone at m.iol.co.za.
Newsletters
Subscribe to our newsletters. News delivered to your inbox!
Comment Guidelines