Boy, 13, Attacked By Shark At Encinitas Beach

ENCINITAS, CA — A 13-year-old boy diving for lobsters was attacked by a shark at Beacon Beach in Encinitas Saturday morning, authorities said. The shark attack happened on the first day of lobster season.

Larry Giles, Marine Safety Captain for the City of Encinitas, said at a press conference that the boy suffered traumatic injuries to his upper torso. Three good samaritans, including an off-duty Oceanside police officer and an off-duty California state park lifeguards, brought the boy to shore after the attack on a kayak, Giles said.

Giles said witnesses who saw the shark were not sure exactly what kind of shark it was but it was in the 11-foot range. Authorities that responded to the scene provided basic life support and the boy was taken to an area trauma center via air ambulance.

After the attack, authorities began to get people out of the water and beaches in the area are closed for 48 hours. A permitted surf event nearby was shut down.

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