- Dear Jeff,
-
- I thought you might be interested in the following narrative
from Seth Mead, a Florence surfer that was attacked by a white shark at
Gold Beach, Oregon yesterday morning. He was most fortunate in that he
only sustained minor injuries.
-
- He has a very positive attitude and can't wait to get
back in the water. He should recover completely without any physical impairments.
I'm sure this will not be the last such event for the year. Thanks for
your interest in my research. Take care.
-
- Oregon Surfer Attacked By Great White Shark
-
- On September 20, 2004, Seth Mead was 50 yards from shore
and 35 yards South of the jetty at Gold Beach, Oregon, adjacent to the
mouth of the Rogue River. Salmon use this river for their spawns and the
area is also frequented by pinnipeds, which feed on the spawning fish.
He observed an undetermined number of harbor seals in the water that were
scattered throughout the area. It was sunny with a light, 5 - 10 mph, breeze
from the East.
-
- Seth had looked at his watch when he entered the water
with a companion. It was 6:50 AM. At about 8:30 AM his companion went ashore
for work, leaving Seth alone in the water. At about 8:45 AM he was sitting
upright on his board, legs astride, facing out to sea. Seth recalled;
"I was watching for a set when the shark came from directly beneath
me, striking the board on my right side. It hit me with such force that
the board and I were lifted out of the water, as I rotated before landing
back in the ocean. The shark had grabbed hold of my lower right leg and
foot when it struck. I rode my board into the beach and then drove my car
to a law enforcement vehicle that was parked nearby. The officer called
the Paramedics and I was taken to the hospital."
-
- Mead's wounds were sutured and cleaned and he was sent
home. Mead described the shark as; "A white shark that was dark gray
with a mouth larger than the circumference of the circle made by his arms."
-
- This is the third attack at this 'recurring location.'
Caution should be exercised when using this area for your ocean water activities,
especially during salmon and steelhead spawns. Please report any shark
sighting or encounter to the Shark Research Committee.
|
