On Sunday morning, a kayaker fishing off Malibu’s Paradise Cove in Los Angeles County was rushed to a local hospital after a shark encounter left him with two bite wounds.
What happened
According to KTLA, the fisherman had reeled in a large fish that witnesses believed to be a mako shark. While attempting to release the animal, the shark bit him, causing him to fall into the water. The shark then bit him a second time before swimming away.
Response and rescue
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews responded quickly, describing the incident initially as a shark attack before later labeling it a “fishing accident.” A lifeguard was seen rushing toward the fisherman, and a nearby fishing boat helped pull the victim from the water onto its deck. The fisherman’s girlfriend, a retired lifeguard, assisted him onshore and called for emergency responders.
A manager at the Paradise Cove Beach Café, which sits adjacent to the beach, said he saw the injuries on the victim’s lower leg and above the knee, noting the distinct teeth marks.
Hospital and outlook
The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of the leg wounds. Hospital officials did not release further medical details, but the beach remained open to the public after the incident.
Shark activity in Southern California
Experts note that the chances of encountering a shark in Southern California rise in October, when warmer coastal waters attract both prey and juvenile sharks. Female sharks often use shallow, warm waters as nursery grounds, providing a protected environment for young sharks to feed and grow.
Community reaction
The café manager recalled that while the beach has seen many unusual events, a shark bite of this nature is unprecedented. Local residents and visitors were reminded to stay alert while fishing or kayaking in the area, especially during peak shark‑season months.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for additional information, but no further comment was provided at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
