DEL MAR, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Did you see a shark fin off the coast of Del Mar Sunday morning? If so, you probably weren’t imagining it.
According to the city of Del Mar, a 46-year-old man was bitten by a shark shortly before 9 a.m., about 100 yards offshore from the beach safety center at 5 p.m.th Street.
The victim was reportedly part of a group of about a dozen ocean swimmers who met regularly for training in Del Mar. A city official said lifeguards saw one swimmer helping another swimmer and intervened. in the area, not yet realizing that anyone had been bitten.
Once back on land, he had visible bite marks on his torso, left arm and hand. The injured man was taken by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. City officials said his injuries were not life-threatening.
“My understanding is that the patient is stable, he was in the operating room for the last time, so we are very happy and fortunate that he is doing well,” said Jon Edelbrock, chief of the Del Mar lifeguards.
Shortly after the incident, lifeguards were seen posting signs in the 17th Street area reading: “SHARK INCIDENT, DO NOT ENTER.” The publication date was noted as June 2, 2024.
“In accordance with protocols developed by the California Marine Safety Chiefs Association and the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach, lifeguards posted signs and closed Del Mar beaches to swimming and surfing at a mile in both directions of the incident – approximately from 6 a.m.th Street to North Beach – and I have notified neighboring jurisdictions,” the city said.
Chief Edelbrock said the closure will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 4.
