CONFIRMED SHARK ATTACK ON KAYAK NEAR WEST CLIFF, KAYAKER UNINJURED
That’s him between officers from Harbor Patrol & SCPD
Today, the Santa Cruz Fire Department received a call at 11:01 a.m. about a potential shark attack near West Cliff and Pelton Avenue. Fire Department Marine Safety personnel have confirmed that a seasoned kayaker had his kayak attacked by a large shark about a quarter mile out from Steamer Lane. The kayaker was uninjured in the attack, but the kayak sustained extensive damage.
Per the Santa Cruz County Shark Incident Action Plan, the City will post Main Beach, Cowell Beach and other beach access points within a 1- mile radius of the attack for four days. All water activities at the beach will be prohibited until sunrise Saturday (July 15th) morning. Marine Safety staff and lifeguards will monitor the area in the meantime.
According to Santa Cruz Fire Chief Jim Frawley, “attacks like these are extremely rare in Santa Cruz County, and we are so thankful that the kayaker was uninjured. This is a reminder that swimming in the ocean does carry some risk and we encourage all swimmers, surfers, and kayakers to be mindful of their surroundings and follow directions of lifeguards and Marine Safety staff.”
According to Santa Cruz Fire Chief Jim Frawley, “attacks like these are extremely rare in Santa Cruz County, and we are so thankful that the kayaker was uninjured. This is a reminder that swimming in the ocean does carry some risk and we encourage all swimmers, surfers, and kayakers to be mindful of their surroundings and follow directions of lifeguards and Marine Safety staff.”
