On Monday morning, around 9:30 a.m., a fisherman paddling near Leffingwell Landing in Cambria, California, experienced a sudden impact on the underside of his kayak. The Cambria Fire Department reported that the force was strong enough to capsize the vessel and throw the angler into the water.
Quick thinking and a harrowing swim
The fisherman managed to scramble back onto the kayak and head toward shore. However, the impact left several punctures in the hull, allowing water to flood the craft. Realizing the kayak could no longer stay afloat, he abandoned it and swam the remaining distance to the beach.
Firefighters were on scene shortly after he reached land, deploying a rescue boat to retrieve the damaged kayak, his fishing gear, and personal belongings. The fisherman arrived on shore unharmed, according to the department’s Facebook update.
Expert opinion suggests a shark
Dr. Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, examined photographs of the kayak’s damage. He said the evidence makes it reasonable to suspect a shark was responsible, though officials stressed that a definitive identification has not been confirmed.
Historical context of similar encounters
The Cambria coast has a history of shark‑related kayak incidents. In May 2012, a shark struck a fishing kayak near the same landing, throwing fisherman Joey Nocchi into the water. Nocchi escaped without injury, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife records.
Another documented case occurred in 2019 when a roughly 10‑foot great white shark bit a kayak about two miles offshore from Leffingwell Landing. Fisherman David Zamora was thrown into the water but climbed back aboard before a nearby boater rescued him. He, too, suffered no injuries.
Statewide, the Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that California has recorded 233 shark incidents since 1950, including 36 involving kayaks or canoes. These encounters often involve sharks investigating unfamiliar objects in the water, which does not necessarily indicate predatory intent.
Safety reminder from local officials
Following the Monday incident, the Cambria Fire Department urged all ocean users to exercise heightened caution, stay aware of their surroundings, and avoid entering the water when sharks are visibly active. The department also reminded anyone facing an immediate threat or emergency to call 911 without hesitation.
While the exact cause of the recent kayak damage remains under investigation, the incident underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance for anyone enjoying California’s coastal waters.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
