Fisherman forced to swim for his life after shark damages kayak
THE TAKEAWAY
A California man swam for his life quite a distance to shore after a shark reportedly struck his kayak on Monday.
The man was fishing near Leffingwell Landing in Cambria, California, around 9:30 a.m. when something struck the underside of his kayak, according to local fire officials.
The impact caused the watercraft to capsize, throwing the fisherman into the water.
He tried to climb back aboard and paddle toward shore, but punctures in the hull caused the kayak to take on water, forcing him to swim the rest of the way.
The Cambria Fire Department was dispatched to the scene after the fisherman reached shore, officials said.
Crews launched a rescue boat to recover the damaged kayak, along with his fishing gear and personal belongings. The kayaker reported no injuries.
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Dr. Chris Lowe of the California State University, Long Beach Shark Lab reviewed photographs of the damage and said it was reasonable to assume the kayak had been struck by a shark.
However, officials have not confirmed that a shark was involved.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, there have been 233 shark encounters in California since 1950, including 36 involving kayaking or canoeing.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and exercise additional caution in the area.
They recommend avoiding entering the water when sharks are visibly active nearby.
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