APRIL 25, 2008 (0
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Shark kills Solana Beach man
A Solana Beach man was killed April 25 by a
shark in the waters off Solana Beach, according to authorities.
The attack happened about 7 a.m. as the man
swam with a triathlon training group, the city of Solana Beach
reported in a statement. Authorities have identified the man as
66-year-old David Martin, a longtime Solana Beach resident.
Such an attack hasn’t occurred in the
ocean off San Diego in many years. Television news media trucks
convened on Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach as news of the attack
spread worldwide. The surf from Del Mar to Encinitas was empty
of surfers and swimmers as people continued to stroll the
beaches.
Family members and friends were being
tended to by crisis counselors, according to the city.
Authorities have advised that people stay
out of the water until Monday, from Del Mar to Carlsbad. The
Sheriff’s ASTREA aerial unit has been searching for signs
of the shark, according to a Sheriff’s Department
announcement. Coast Guard air support has also been involved in
the search.
“As a result of the incident, City of
Encinitas has increased lifeguard patrol at Encinitas City
beaches and posted caution signs at all beach accesses advising
beach users to enter the water at their own risk,” states
an announcement from the city of Encinitas. “Encinitas
Fire & Marine Safety Services recommends staying out of
coastal waters until further notice.”
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Del Mar announced similar precautions.
“The City of Del Mar Chief Lifeguard
Pat Vergne has issued an advisory to the public to stay out of
the water for the next 72 hours,” a Del Mar city bulletin
states. “ Due to concern for the public’s safety in
connection with a shark attack on a swimmer off the Solana
Beach shores, public safety officials ask that people stay out
of the ocean until Monday morning (April 28) and until safety
risks can be further evaluated.”
The advisory extends up to the northern end
of South Carlsbad Campground, Tower 28, according to the city
of Carlsbad.
According to the state Department of Fish
and Game, the last suspected deadly shark attack in San Diego
waters was in April 1994. The attack in Solana Beach now brings
to 11 the number of fatal shark attacks along the West Coast
since the 1950s, based on Fish and Game information.
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