Shark bites fisherman twice during kayaking encounter along California beach
Kayaker bitten twice by suspected mako shark off Malibu beach, treated at hospital
A man kayaking near Paradise Cove on Malibu’s coast was taken to a hospital on Sunday morning after a shark bite left him with two wounds. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, was captured on video by a lifeguard who rushed to the scene.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fisherman was reeling in a fish that was believed to be a mako shark. When he tried to release the animal, it struck him twice, causing him to fall into the water. The shark then swam away.
The victim was pulled out of the water by another fisherman and brought aboard a small boat. He was then assisted onto shore by his girlfriend, a retired lifeguard, and emergency responders were called. Fire Department crews transported the kayaker to a local hospital for treatment of the bite injuries.
A manager at the nearby Paradise Cove Beach Café, who watched the incident unfold, said he saw the injuries on the kayaker’s legs. “He was bitten in two places,” the manager told reporters. “I saw there were some teeth marks on his lower leg and above the knee.” He added that the beach had experienced “crazy stuff” before, but “we’ve never had a shark attack like that.”
The beach remained open after the event, and local authorities urged visitors to remain vigilant, noting that southern California’s shark activity is higher in October when warmer waters attract both prey and juvenile sharks. Female sharks often use these shallow, warmer bays as nursery grounds, offering some protection for young sharks as they grow.
“Even though we’ve had a lot of crazy stuff happen here,” the manager said, “this was the first time we’ve seen a shark attack on a human.” The incident has prompted a review by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which initially described the event as a shark attack but later reclassified it as a “fishing accident.”
The victim’s girlfriend, who helped him onto shore, called emergency services as soon as the situation was clear. While no immediate injuries beyond the bites were reported, authorities advised people to watch for signs of a shark bite and to seek medical attention promptly.
Local officials have not confirmed the shark’s species or size. The event has sparked discussion among beachgoers and marine biologists about the safety of recreational water activities in areas known to host sharks during the warmer months.
The incident serves as a reminder that, while shark attacks are rare, they can still happen. Visitors to the Malibu coast are encouraged to stay aware of the ocean environment and to heed local safety advisories.