Shark spotters tried to warn victim

2011-09-28 14:57

Cape Town - Shark spotters frantically tried to warn a man who was attacked by a great white shark at Fish Hoek beach on Wednesday afternoon, the City of Cape Town said.

"When the victim entered the water, the beach was still closed and the shark flag, indicating the presence of a white shark, was flying," the City said.

"The shark spotter stationed on the beach was warned by a spotter on the mountain that someone had entered the water. The shark spotter then ran to Clovelly Corner to try and get the swimmer out of the water, but the attack took place before he could reach him."

The city said the attack happened around 12:15. The man sustained "severe injuries" and lost his lower right leg in the attack. He was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

The City said shark spotters sighted the shark at 10:45 and then closed the beach to users. The white shark flag was raised and the siren was set off.

The victim of the shark attack was the only person in the water at the time.

Fish Hoek beach as well as Glencairn, St James and Muizenberg beaches were closed as a precaution until further notice.

The shark was still in Fish Hoek bay in the afternoon and being monitored by the spotters.

- SAPA