- Dear Jeff,
-
- I thought you might be interested in white shark attack
that occurred yesterday at Moonstone Beach, California. This is the second
such event at this location in the past 5 years. Thankfully the young lady
was not injured and came away with a momento in the form of a tooth fragment.
As always I appreciate your continued support of my research.
- Best Regards,
- Ralph S. Collier
- Shark Research Committee
-
- Moonstone Beach, CA -- On September 27, 2007 Sue
Snyder was surfing with 8 other individuals at Moonstone Beach in Humboldt
County, California. It was 8:15 AM and she had been on the water about
60 minutes. Scott Paynton and the other surfers were 50 yards from shore
with Snyder about 20 yards further out. Air and water temperatures were
estimated to be 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It was sunny and clear with a glassy
sea surface and 2 3 feet of water visibility. The water was 5
10 feet deep over a sandy ocean floor. A single seal was observed in the
area prior to the attack.
-
- The following report was provided by Scott Paynton, a
witness in the water at time of attack. "There were nine people in
the water at the time of the attack. Seven people were within a radius
of approximately 50 yards. The other two were about 50 yards further south.
The victim stated that she felt a bump and was pushed off her board. As
she fell, she fell onto the shark as it swam by, running her hand along
it and kicking it. As she screamed during the initial bump, another witness
turned to see the dorsal fin and tail splashing past the board.
-
- The dorsal fin was 18 22 inches in height. At this
point, the seven of us close together made our way into shore. On shore
we discovered the 16" diameter bite mark in the back of the board.
As best we can determine, the shark hit the fin of her board as it tried
to bite. Fragments of teeth were left in the board. Parts of the board
were punched through so you could see through the board where the bite
occurred. Because the surfer was sitting, no injuries were sustained."
Caution should be exercised when utilizing this location for your ocean
water activities.
-
- Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack
to the Shark Research Committee.
-
- Sharkresearch@aol.com
-
|
