A shark attack has claimed the life of a young surfer in Morro Bay, California on Christmas Eve, authorities said.
The incident occurred at around 10:48 a.m. local time off Morro Bay State Park beach, 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo.
“Harbor, Police and Fire Departments responded to a report of a male victim unresponsive on the beach after he was pulled from the water suffering from an apparent shark attack,” the Harbor Department said.
Harbor Director Eric Endersby said that the identity of the victim was determined but it would only be publicly released after next-of-kin notification.
“It’s a horrible accident. Fortunately, the weather and wind have ruined the surf, so there are not many surfers, but we’ve closed the waters for safety.”
