SHARK ATTACK - Solana Beach

Captain Craig Miller addresses the media.

Details are still sketchy at this point, but there was a confirmed fatal shark attack in Solana Beach this morning. Dave Martin, 66, of Solana Beach, CA was swimming in a group off the break known as Pill Box when he was struck from behind in his legs. Members from the group immediately heard his cries for help and swam back to help bring him to safety. Authorities say the group was swimming approximately 150 yards out from the shore when the attack occurred. The 22-inch bite struck an artery and he died on the scene due to blood loss despite the enormous effort from officials and medical air support.

Our condolences to the Martin family.

According the the Florida Museum of Natural History, There have been a total of 10 confirmed attacks in San Diego County since 1926. One of those attacks was fatal on June 14, 1959. Robert Pamperin, 33, was killed while freediving for abalone in La Jolla Cove La Jolla, California, by what was estimated to be a 20-foot (6 m) plus length Great White. His body was not recovered, and witnesses described him being swallowed whole, feet-first.

On January 26, 1989 Tamara McAllister, 24, was killed while kayaking off the coast of Malibu, California with her boyfriend, Roy Jeffrey Stoddard. McAllister's body was found floating face down two days later with large sections from her legs and buttocks missing; no trace of Stoddard has ever been found. The attack was called into question and has not been listed as confirmed.

Other Known Southern California attacks include 5 in LA County and 1 in Orange County. None of them being Fatal. Bringing a grand total of 16 attacks since 1929.This data was collected and confirmed in the International Shark Attack File at The Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida.

Currently, beaches in the area are closed as officials scour the coast for the shark, believed to be a great white.

Stay tuned as we gather more information and photos to come....

RELATED LINKS:

Solid Surf Predicted for 6.0 Lowers Pro At Trestles

Bodyboarder Killed by Shark in Australia

Shark Sighting Halts WQS Event In West Australia

Reader Comments

Posted Fri Apr25, 2008, 3:17 PM — By Sharkstrails

I heard that there is a bunch of juvenile great whites hanging around trail 1 right now. Maybe it was one of those younger, dumber ones...

Posted Fri Apr25, 2008, 3:50 PM — By Mark K.

Lots of fishy reports on those other attacks in 1959 , 94, and 89...

Posted Fri Apr25, 2008, 8:18 PM — By Lowerscontest

How about the lowers contest. Would this be enough to have everything thinking canceled? Or at least giving everyone the thought of paddling right by a great white.

Posted Sun Apr27, 2008, 10:51 AM — By Chris Becker

The Pamperin attack was a hoax, he was later found in Mexico, it was an insurance fraud.

Posted Mon Apr28, 2008, 1:52 PM — By Jamie Nay

The Pamperin attack could have happened...and it could have been a hoax. There were no remains left...no one else saw the shark, except his diving buddy...and there were sightings of Pamperin in Baja over the years...rumors of insurance fraud. However, people who were at the La Jolla Cove that day...who saw his buddy...said he was in complete shock. That NO ONE could fake the type of shock that Pamperin's friend was displaying. That many of La Jolla's surf community stopped going into the Cove after that day.

Posted Mon Apr28, 2008, 4:10 PM — By dylan

this is crazzzzzyyyyy brah!!!! i would hate to have that happen to me brah!!!!! later peeps<3<3<3

Posted Tue May13, 2008, 7:01 PM — By spty

Man....That craig Miller is hot!

Posted Fri Sep26, 2008, 6:51 PM — By GW

That 'hoax' in 1959 involving Robert Pamperin was a real event. My father was his diving buddy and was the sole witness to the attack at the Cove. Mr. Pamperin's wife and my mother were sitting on the beach at the time. My father still remembers that horrible day like it happened yesterday.

Posted Fri Aug21, 2009, 1:17 PM — By Denn

I had known about this attack years before the internet ever came out. I read it somewhere. The fact that no remains were ever found or blood discovered might make people believe that it was a hoax. My opinion is that the event did occur because William Abitz was also reported to have seen this happen from shore with Robert thrashing wildly trying to get away from something. My belief, though unfortunately tragic, it would appear Robert Pamperin was swallowed whole by this shark, as unbelieveable as it may seem. Look at the case of Shirley Ann Durdin, who was bitten in half at the torso, and competely devoured in two gulps. The fact that these attacks in some cases are so unbelievable lead some to believe they are a hoax. I find no reason to believe they are.

Add Comment

Name (Required):

Email (Required, will not be shown to public):

Comment (Required, max chars: 1024):

You have characters left.

Subscribe to Surfing Magazine Here...

THE BEST WAVES!
THE BEST SURFERS!
THE BEST PHOTOS!

AND NOW THE BEST DEAL: SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND GET 1 YEAR OF SURFING MAGAZINE FOR ONLY $12.00!

Take advantage of this special offer-act now!
GIVE A GIFT

Email:
First Name:
Last Name:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:		Zip:

Select a payment option:

Charge my credit card
Bill me later

Do you have a promotional coupon code?

Enter Code:

Please send me special offers and exclusive promotions from Surfing's premiere partners.

WannaSurf.com

SHARK ATTACK - Solana Beach

ADVERTISING

SUBSCRIPTION INQUERIES

MAGAZINE SERVICES

INTERACTIVE MEDIA KIT

ACTION SPORTS GROUP