A surfer was attacked by a shark in Northern California just after 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and suffered serious leg injuries that required hospitalization.
According to local news reports, the victim was identified as James Eastman, a 39-year-old local high school teacher. Additionally, the immediate actions of other surfers on the beach after the attack may have saved Eastman’s life.
The Mendocino Coast News continued: “One witness described the shark as ‘huge’ and could be seen from the shore. Some people reported the shark attacked the victim, who witnesses described multiple times as a local, and then circled him and other surfers.”
After the attack, Eastman spoke to the police from his hospital bed good morning america:
“I could see the shark’s head emerging from the water. I thought about my wife and my kids and I was like, I can’t die. I can’t die yet.”
The species of shark has not been officially confirmed, although given their presence in Northern California, it is likely a great white shark. In addition to injuries to both legs, the extent of the injuries has also been revealed.
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According to California Lifeguards, regarding the incident they wrote:
“Yesterday (March 18) at approximately 5:18 p.m., a surfer at Big River Beach at Mendocino Point State Park was bitten by a shark. Three off-duty lifeguards rescued the victim from the water and were trained to provide medical aid. The victim was surfing and suffered injuries to both legs. He was transported to a hospital at Fort Bragg.
“This incident highlights the importance of the Ocean Lifeguard program, and we are grateful for the quick, heroic actions of our lifeguards. Lifeguards are an important part of the network of first responders and first responders on Northern California’s rural coastlines. While uncommon, shark bites are one of many different types of emergencies that our lifeguards are trained to respond to and treat.”
Lifeguards added that the surrounding beaches were closed for 48 hours after the attack and they were gathering evidence for an ongoing investigation.
For his part, once he recovers, Eastman added:
“I love surfing so much that I would be sad if I stopped surfing. In other ways, I’m very lucky.”
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This article was originally published by Surfer on March 20, 2026 and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Surfer as a preferred source.
