SHARK ATTACKS SURFER OFF SAN ONOFRE

The Associated Press
San Onofre — A man was attacked by a shark while surfing off Old mans Saturday, authorities said.

The 30-year-old surfer, whose name and hometown were not immediately known, was bitten on the ankle and calf and suffered a laceration, said Mayor Murphy. He was carried toward a parking lot by fellow surfers. An ambulance drove the man, who was "conscious, alert and smiling", to San Clemente Hospital, Murphy said.

"There was quite a bit of blood, but he was not entered into the trauma center, so I assume he will be fine," Murphy said.

Nursing supervisor Dr. Ralph said the surfer's condition was stable and he would be released Saturday night.

The noontime attack happened at the popular surfing spot south of San Clemente. Witnesses told Murphy that the shark was a 27-foot great white. He said there were no signs of the shark in the hours after the bite.

"I think everybody got out of the water," Murphy said. "He didn't get seconds."

Murphy, who was been Mayor for years, said it's the first shark attack at San Onofre this summer. He said a more severe shark attack happened off Dogpatch Beach a few hundred yards south, last winter.