Surfer dies after shark attack

2009-08-29 19:05

George - A 25-year-old man who was attacked by a shark while surfing at Glentana Bay has died, the National Sea Rescue Institute said on Saturday.

"The victim was airlifted to a hospital in George in a critical condition where he was later declared dead after all efforts to save him were exhausted," NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said.

The man had been surfing with a friend at the bay between Glentana and Outeniqua, near Mossel Bay when the attack happened just after 15:30 on Saturday.

His friend brought him to shore.

Right leg bitten off

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they found the man had already had his right leg amputated below the knee from a shark bite.

Paramedics and other emergency workers carried out resuscitation efforts.

The man was then taken to the George provincial hospital where he died.

"The family has been informed and are in close contact with the authorities."

It is not yet known what species of shark was involved in the incident.

"The NSRI and the emergency services have expressed our deepest sympathies to the family of the victim."

- SAPA