Breaking: We have just received word that there has been a fatal shark attack at ‘Tabletops’ near Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach, Ca. Apparently the man bled to death after the shark bit both legs below the knee, severing one of his legs.

Witnesses say the man, who has been identified as 66 year-old David Martin, was swimming with a group this morning around 7:30 AM and was about 150 yards offshore when they noticed he began to struggle. Nearby surfers paddled over to help the man and discovered both of his legs had been bitten by the shark, one of them being severed. Both swimmers from the mans group and the surfers helped the man to shore. By the time they reached the beach there was no saving him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coast Guard helicopters have been called in to assist officials on the scene and they are clearing people from the surrounding beaches and waters. Most of the local beaches within a 7 mile radius are closed at this time until further notice. The shark is believed to be a 12-17 foot White Shark and the coast guard is actively looking for it. If they find the shark they will do nothing to harm it, only monitor it’s activity and make sure that any nearby waters are cleared.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the victim. This is the first fatal shark attack in the San Diego area in 50 years.

Stay tuned - We will update this post as we receive more information.

Thanks to reader JFaris for this tip.

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Posted on Friday, April 25th, 2008 in Surfing.

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