On Sunday morning, a paddler in Plettenberg Bay had a close encounter with a shark when it attacked his paddle ski. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) issued a warning shortly thereafter to bathers, surfer and paddlers to be on the lookout for shark activity close to the shore, especially during this time of the year.
NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were called out at 9.40am following reports of a man bumped off his paddle ski at Robberg Beach. On further inspection, they noted that a shark had breached from underneath the paddle ski and bit a hole in it.
“On arrival on the scene we found a 33-year-old local man safe ashore after a shark, reported to be approximately a 2.5 metre white shark, bit a hole underneath the hull of the man’s paddle ski while he was paddling,” NSRI Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander Robbie Gibson said.
The paddler lost his balance and ended up in the water, but managed to quickly swim ashore. He climbed onto rocks and was rescued unharmed, and needed no medical attention.
“NSRI urge bathers and paddlers to be alert, particularly at this time of the year, where it is known that sharks tend to come closer inshore to feed as part of their natural feeding habits,” Gibson said.
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