…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
A 50-year-old surfer had a close encounter with a shark while surfing at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay on Wednesday.
The surfer was attacked by a shark and sustained a bite wound.
A bystander raised the alarm, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Jeffreys Bay was immediately activated.
NSRI rescue swimmers, medics, and an NSRI rescue craft were dispatched to the scene.
Private Care ambulance services, Gardmed ambulance services, the SA Police Services, and EC Government Health EMS also responded.
The NSRI medics assisted public members who had already applied trauma pads to the bite wound sustained by the surfer, who was safe out of the water.
The patient was identified as a 50-year-old from Cape Town and was in a stable condition with a good spirit.
The patient was then secured onto a stretcher and transported to the hospital by Gardmed ambulance for further care.
NSRI commended the swift action of the public members and the Good Samaritan fellow surfers.
Bathers, surfers, and sea users in the area are urged to be cautious following this incident.
The NSRI and Kouga Municipality are appealing to people in the area to take precautions.
If you are attacked by a shark, it is essential to stay as calm as possible and try to get back to the shore, swimming as smoothly as possible.
It is crucial to warn other swimmers and beachgoers of the attack.
If the shark is upon you, go for the eyes or gills.
It is also advisable to fight back if you are out with a friend.
While shark attacks are rare, they can be deadly.
It is vital to follow the instructions of the authorities to minimize risks.