Shark attacks surfer in Muizen

Shark attacks surfer in Muizenberg

A 20-year-old surfer was attacked in Cape Town by what eye-witnesses have said was a shark between three and four metres long.

Shark attacks surfer in Muizen

muizenberg 2A four-metre shark attacked a surfer in Muizenberg today. NSRI has confirmed that the bites indicate the surfer was attacked by a White Shark.

After helping the surfer out of the water, a friend administered first aid treatment along with bystanders before NSRI Simonstown arrived on the scene.

Surfers spotted the shark, but didn’t have enough time to sound the alarm before the attack. The Shark Spotters were already flying a Black Shark Flag (indicating poor visibility) and a had been approached by someone saying that they had seen a fin in the water. The Shark Siren was being activated when the attack occurred.

NSRI Simonstown volunteers, CMR paramedics and a CMR ambulance, the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and the Red Cross AMS Skymed helicopter were all on the scene.

Since criminal incidents are generally treated with far less attention, the incident raises questions about resource management and law enforcement policies in South Africa.

The surfer was bitten on his lower ribs and thighs. He was airlifted by helicopter to hospital and is stable.

Muizenberg beach was temporarily closed.