A young surfer from Port St Johns was killed by a shark while out catching a wave with his brother and friends at Second Beach over the weekend.
Since starting surfing five years ago, Zama Ndamase would pick up his board almost daily to head for Second Beach. On Saturday a tiger shark bit him.
Ndamase’s coach, Mike Getke, said he witnessed the attack from his lodge above Second Beach.
“It was really horrible,” he said.
“We ran down there as soon as we saw it. After the shark had bit him he caught a wave and headed for shore, but he couldn’t stand on one leg and the wave faded on him.
“He lost consciousness and some of the other surfers tried to rescue him before the lifeguards came. He was in the water a good 10 minutes before we got to him.
“We checked for a pulse and all the vital signs, but he was already gone. The shark had bitten a big chunk off his right leg.
“I started this whole surfing thing and I feel bad. It is very traumatic for his family, especially his mother and brother,” Getke said.
It was the fifth shark attack at Second Beach since 2007.
The first victim, in January 2007, was a lifeguard, Sibulele Masiza, who two years before had survived another shark attack.
Two years later, a fellow lifeguard, Sikhanyiso Bangilizwe, was viciously attacked by a Zambezi shark.
Three months later, 16-year-old surfer Luyolo Mangele fell victim to a vicious attack by a bull shark. Another lifeguard, Tshintshekile Nduva, was the last fatality in December 2009.
Ndamase was a product of the Border Surfing Association development programme and last year participated in the South African Grommet Games, where he reached the final of the Boys’ U-16 Division.
In 2009, the young surfer was awarded a scholarship by Surfing South Africa.
Border Surfriders Association spokesman Malcolme Logie said the teenager was full of spirit and always ready for a laugh and willing to help his teammates with advice.
“Border was looking to him to play a leading role in our team this year. His passing leaves us numb.” - Cape Times