A California kayaker has been hospitalized after a shark attack near the Malibu pier. The incident occurred Sunday morning about two miles offshore near Paradise Cove beach cafe.
The victim was fishing when he accidentally hooked a Mako shark. As he attempted to release the shark, it bit him, causing him to fall into the water. The shark then circled back and bit him a second time, according to a manager at Paradise Cove Cafe.
The manager observed teeth marks on the kayaker's lower leg and above his knee. Another fisherman assisted the victim by calling emergency services and helping to bring him ashore. Rescue workers transported the injured man to a local hospital.
Lifeguard Alex Buford stated the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. He identified the shark as likely a Shortfin Mako, a fast and aggressive species that typically inhabits deeper waters. Officials determined there was minimal risk to shallow-water swimmers and opted not to close the beach.
Warmer ocean conditions in 2026 have led to juvenile white sharks spending longer periods in California nearshore waters, prompting the California Fish and Game Commission to adopt emergency regulations. These regulations prohibit recreational fishing from shore or within 1,000 yards of shore south of Pigeon Point to the U.S.-Mexico border, including beaches, banks, piers, and jetties.
Details regarding the kayaker's current condition and the full extent of his injuries have not yet been released.