/ 25 May 2005

Surfer needs 100 stitches after shark attack

A surfer has received 100 stitches after being attacked by a shark at the mouth of the Kei River in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday.

National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon said Jay Catarall (32) was surfing with two other people when the shark bit him on both buttocks and the back of both legs.

Initial reports suggested he was attacked by a ragged-tooth shark. Sharks Board officials were at the scene trying to determine what type of shark it was.

Lambinon said Catarall, who is from the United Kingdom, is back at his hotel as he preferred not to stay in hospital.

He said that to his knowledge shark attacks are not frequent in the area. — Sapa