Kayaker Hospitalized After Shark Bites Him Twice in Malibu Encounter

A kayaker fishing off a Malibu beach was taken to a local hospital Sunday morning after a shark encounter reportedly left him with two bite wounds. The incident occurred near Paradise Cove in Los Angeles County.

Witnesses told local outlets that the fisherman had reeled in what was believed to be a mako shark and was attempting to release it when the animal bit him, causing him to fall into the water. The shark then bit him a second time before swimming away, according to reports. The Los Angeles County Fire Department initially described the incident as a shark attack but later characterized it as a "fishing accident."

A manager at the nearby Paradise Cove Beach Cafe observed the victim's injuries, stating, "He was bitten in two places." The manager added, "I saw there were some teeth marks on his lower leg and above the knee."

A fisherman reportedly rushed to the victim’s aid, pulled him from the water onto his boat, and brought him back to shore. The victim then reportedly called his girlfriend, who helped him onshore and called for emergency responders. The Los Angeles County Fire Department crews responded and transported the man to a local hospital.

The beach remained open following the incident. October typically sees higher chances of encountering sharks in Southern California as warmer coastal waters attract prey and juvenile sharks, which may use these areas as nursery grounds.