Ralph Collier, who is the president of the Shark Research Institute, commented on the incident assuring officials the shark was likely between eight and ten feet long. Collier plans to gain more information regarding the shark by inspecting the surfer’s damaged surfboard. According to Collier, seal and sea lion populations are rather large this year which increases the likelihood of shark encounters by beach-goers, surfers, boaters and ocean kayakers on the California coastline.
Charles told reporter Tracy Lehr at KCOY/KEYT that the great white was “probably a 16- to 18-foot shark” and he “saw a splash,” suddenly heard “Mayday, mayday, mayday” on his radio and immediately attempted to determine where the kayakers were to facilitate a rescue. After last weeks incidents, it’s safe to say beach goers, boaters, surfers, and kayakers alike should all take precautions to use safe ocean practices and beware of the surrounding wildlife.
