From KSBW News
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. —
UPDATE: A surfer was killed in a shark attack off a Northern California beach, state park officials said Saturday. (Sand Dollar Beach)
California State Parks confirmed with Action News that the victim was a 26-year-old male from Santa Cruz County.
The type of shark species that attacked the victim is unknown.
Following State Parks protocol, the water one mile south and north of the incident location will be closed for five days and will not be reopened until Thursday, May 14, 2020. Signs warning beachgoers about the shark attack are now posted on access points and beach entrances within a one-mile radius of the incident.
Sharks are commonly seen swimming near Santa Cruz County beaches this time of year, bur attacks against people are very rare.
From SFGate
In a brief Facebook post, the sheriff’s office stated the attack happened within 100 yards of the shoreline, and instructed individuals to avoid water sports and activities in the area.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s personnel were called to the beach about 1:30 p.m. Saturday after a 26-year-old man had been attacked by an “unknown shark species,” State Parks said in a news release.
On Facebook Giancarlo Thomae wrote:
What happened today was a real tragedy. While we have been observing up to 25 Great Whites near the Cement Ship, there are very few sharks at Sand Dollar. The sharks at “Shark Park” usually are not in feeding mode and are usually smaller fish eating juveniles. The Sharks on the South County Beaches are larger and usually feed on Harbor Seals traveling just beyond the breakers. The South swells erode the south facing beaches thus making the water murky and obscuring visibility. If you see Harbor Seals swimming after bait just behind the breakers, don’t go in the water for awhile. I commend State Parks for posting warning signs (for the past two weeks) and warning people about the presence of sharks. This was most likely a case of mistaken identity and although kayaking and surfing are generally safe activities, use your discretion while swimming close to shore.
