A surfer in California is recovering after suffering serious injuries from a shark attack. The attack occurred on March 18, 2025, off the coast of Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Shark Attack Details
The 39-year-old man was bitten on both legs while surfing at around 5:18 p.m. local time. According to reports from ABC7 and KTVU FOX 2, the surfer was helped out of the water by three off-duty lifeguards who were present at the scene. The lifeguards provided medical attention to the injured man before he was transported to Fort Bragg for further hospital care.
Lifeguards’ Heroic Actions
The California State Lifeguards praised the quick and heroic actions of the lifeguards involved. In a statement on Instagram, they emphasized the importance of having trained ocean lifeguard programs, particularly in the rural areas of northern California. “Although uncommon, shark bites are one of the many emergencies our lifeguards are trained to respond to and treat,” the statement read.
Beach Closure and Safety Measures
As part of the department’s protocol following the incident, State Parks has posted signs at nearby beaches notifying the public of a 48-hour beach closure. The statement also reminded the public that sharks are an important part of the coastal ecosystem, and interactions between people and sharks are extremely rare.
Response and Investigation
Several agencies, including the Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and Mendocino Coast paramedics, assisted in the response to the attack. The CDFW is now leading an investigation into the incident, collecting evidence related to the attack.
