Night swimming and shark danger
A long-distance swimmer was bitten by a shark during a night swim attempt off the California coast near Catalina Island. The man, in his early 50s, was undertaking the popular 20-mile crossing from Catalina to the mainland when, about 12 miles from shore, a roughly one-meter-long great white shark attacked and injured his foot, according to sources. Fortunately, the support crew quickly pulled him from the water and provided proper first aid. Medical personnel then took over and transported him to the hospital. His injuries were classified as minor and not life-threatening. Such incidents are extremely rare in the region – since 1950, only about 15 confirmed shark attacks have been recorded in the greater Los Angeles area, with just over 200 nationwide.
Quick reaction saves the swimmer
The Catalina Channel crossing is particularly well known among experienced swimmers and is often started at night to avoid rough seas. Nevertheless, swimming in the open ocean carries certain risks, as shark encounters cannot be completely ruled out. Local authorities emphasize that despite regular sightings, shark attacks on humans remain extremely rare; most sharks avoid contact and do not react aggressively.
In this case, the professional support of the escort boat “Bottom Scratcher” and the quick intervention of the fire department boats were crucial in protecting the swimmer. With the help of the team and the fire department, he was safely taken to the hospital. The authorities praised the prudent rescue measures and view the incident not as a long-term danger to the sport but as an exception. Participation in such extreme swims remains an adventure in which safety rules must be strictly observed.
