FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: LACoFD Public Affairs (323) 881-2413
Los Angeles – May 6, 2012 – This morning, a 15 year old female paddlboarder had an encounter with a shark off the coast of Catalina Island approximately 200 yards from shore. She was was not injured in the incident; however, the paddleboard was biten several times. She was with a group of other paddleboarders approximetely one mile from the Avalon area in a remote area of the island.
After this incident, immediate notifications began to the public including camps, beach rentals, yacht clubs, and waterfront businesses on Catalina Island. Swimmers, divers, and small craft operators are advised to use extreme caution in the water around Catalina Island.
Although this is an extremely rare occurance, the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Rescue Boat crews and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Personnel on Catalina Island have been and will continue to maintain constant patrols throughout the area and have reported nothing has been seen up to this point in time.
