Shark attacks Muizenberg surfer

Surfers at Muizenberg Corner head out for a surf. Picture: Brenton Geach

Surfers at Muizenberg Corner head out for a surf. Picture: Brenton Geach

Published Aug 1, 2014

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Cape Town - A 20-year-old man was bitten by a white shark while surfing at Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town, on Friday, the National Sea Rescue Institute said.

A friend helped him out of the water, spokesman Craig Lambinon said in a statement.

“He was found with multiple lacerations to his lower limbs, some of which are deep lacerations, and an avulsion (tear) to the left thigh.”

According to wikipedia, a white shark is also known as a great white shark.

Lambinon said a member of the public tied the surfboard's leash around the man's leg to stop the bleeding. Paramedics airlifted him to hospital in a stable condition.

“The species of shark involved has been confirmed by the bite marks to have been a white shark.”

According to eyewitnesses it was between three and four metres long.

Lambinon said at the time of the attack shark spotters were flying the black shark flag, indicating poor water and visibility.

The City of Cape Town closed Muizenberg Beach on Friday, disaster risk management centre spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said.

“Muizenberg Beach will remain closed to the public until further notice. The city will reassess the beach tomorrow morning.

“Members of the public are urged to respect the closure of the beach as a precautionary measure.”

Sapa

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