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Shark Kills Man; SoCal Beaches Closed

First area fatality since 1994 sparks fears of great white rampage

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2008 3:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – Beaches north of San Diego were closed today after a man was fatally injured by a shark, the Union-Tribune reports. While witnesses could identify “the culprit” only as a “big gray shark,” an expert contacted by the Los Angeles Times said, “This almost certainly was a great white shark.” Attacks in the area are “unheard of.”

The last confirmed shark fatality was in 1994. In addition to the attack today, seals have been beaching themselves in the area. “Those are signs that say this isn't the place to go,” a lifeguard said. “We have one person fatally wounded and we have sea life exiting the water. It's better to stay out of the water and give it time.”

Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach, Calif.
Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach, Calif.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Solana Beach Fire Department deputy chief Dismas Abelman, left, talks about the shark attack.
Solana Beach Fire Department deputy chief Dismas Abelman, left, talks about the shark attack.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Chart shows shark attacks since 1990 and compares Florida's attacks to the world in 2007.
Chart shows shark attacks since 1990 and compares Florida's attacks to the world in 2007.   (AP Photo)
A shark.
A shark.   (AP Photo/New England Aquarium, David Obura, HO)
A seal.
A seal.   (AP Photo/Joel Page)
A warning sign is posted near where swimmer Dr. David Martin was killed by a shark while swimming off the coast in Solana Beach, Calif.
A warning sign is posted near where swimmer Dr. David Martin was killed by a shark while swimming off the coast in Solana Beach, Calif.   (AP Photo/Sandy Huffaker)
An unidentified family member of a shark attack victim.
An unidentified family member of a shark attack victim.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
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