A teenage surfer died on Friday afternoon after being bitten by a shark at popular surfing spot, Noordhoek near Cape Town, the National Sea Rescue Institute confirmed.
”A 19-year old surfer was attacked by a shark near the Kakapo wreck off the Noordhoek beach,” said NSRI station commander for Kommetjie, Clive Mortimer.
Mortimer said the surfer, who was on a body board, was with five friends when the shark attacked.
”The shark attacked and then released him, but the initial bite across the lower abdomen was so bad that he bled out in minutes.”
Mortimer said the attack took place at about 2.30pm, and by the time an emergency helicopter had arrived, it was too late.
Mortimer, who said he had grown up in the area, said it was the first time in his memory that a surfer was attacked at this beach.
He said the surfers who were with the victim believed it was a Great White, but it was too early to say.
”The shark probably mistook him for a seal… and once realised it wasn’t spat him out. Sharks don’t like people generally, they are too bony. They usually attack humans when they are sick and can’t hunt seals,” he said.
The name of the victim was being withheld at the request of the parents. – Sapa