Shark Attack at Sandspit Beach near Morro Bay

A juvenile great white shark attacked a surfer at a local surf spot near Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County on December 28th, 2014. He was bitten on his leg near his hip and dragged under water by the shark then let go. Luckily his injuries weren’t so severe that he couldn’t paddle himself in as his friend said they were far from shore. They tied a tourniquet around his leg using his surfboard leash while waiting for the paramedics. He was flown to a hospital in SLO after two doctors walking the beach were able to check his condition and call for help.

This remote surfing area is at Sandspit Beach Access in Montana de Oro State Park on the sand spit that protects Morro Bay. The area is south of Morro Rock and near the town of Los Osos. Park officials posted signs about the shark attack, but did not close the beach.

The Tribune of San Luis Obispo interviewed a friend who was surfing with the victim at the time. Since the attack the victim who was reportedly in his 50’s has been upgraded and is recovering from his injuries.