Surfer Attacked by Shark Off California Coast, Suffers Serious Injuries to Both Legs

A surfer suffered serious bites to both of his legs in a shark attack off the California coast. Witnesses described the frightening animal that struck, resulting in the victim having to be rushed to the hospital and forcing beach closures. Here's what has been revealed about the incident so far.

What Happened During the Shark Attack

On Wednesday, March 18, a 39-year-old local teacher was surfing off the Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park when a shark bit both of his legs at around 5:18 p.m. local time. The man, who ABC News identified as James Eastman, freed himself, and three off-duty lifeguards gave him medical attention until he could be transported to the hospital.

While talking to ABC News from his hospital bed, Eastman described the terrifying moment when he saw the shark approach. "I could see the shark's head kind of above the water. I thought of my wife and my kid, and I was just like, I cannot die. I can't die right now." He went on to tell the outlet that with both of his legs inside the shark's mouth, he went into survival mode, striking its nose until it let go.

Eastman wasn't the only one who witnessed the startling event. Surfer.com cited the Mendocino Coast News, which described what witnesses saw when the shark attacked. “A witness described the shark as ‘gigantic,’ visible from shore. Several reported that the shark struck the victim, who witnesses said was a local man multiple times and then circled both him and other surfers.”

The species of shark that bit Eastman hasn't been confirmed, but Surfer.com hypothesized it was likely a great white shark. They came to that conclusion because the species is known to have a presence in the location of the attack and because of the extent of his injuries. Following the incident, nearby beaches were closed for the safety of swimmers and surfers alike.

James Eastman was rushed to Adventist Hospital in Fort Bragg, where his wife Chloe works as an emergency room nurse. She told ABC News about how she reacted upon learning what happened to her husband. "I'm in the middle of work in the ER and I just like dropped to the ground like, 'What?' It's my worst fear too -- that happening to him."

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the shark attack story is something else Eastman told ABC News. While talking to the outlet, he expressed how lucky he feels and implied that he intends to resume surfing once he recovers. "I love surfing so much and I would be very sad if I didn't surf again. As far as everything else is concerned, I was extremely lucky."