Five Cape Town beaches closed after shark attack

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Pretoria - The City of Cape Town has closed five beaches until further notice after a male swimmer was attacked by a great white shark yesterday morning.

Glencairn, Kalk Bay, St James, Fish Hoek and Muizenberg have all been closed until further notice, said the city in a statement.

It warned members of the public not to swim at these beaches.

The victim, who sustained severe injuries and lost his lower right leg, was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

Yesterday morning, Shark Spotters sighted a shark and closed the Fish Hoek beach to users. A White Shark Flag was raised and the siren was set off. 

The victim entered the water while the beach was still closed and the shark flag hoisted, indicating the presence of a white shark. 

The Shark Spotter stationed at the beach was warned by a colleague on the mountain that someone had entered the water. The Shark Spotter then ran to Clovelly Corner to try to get the swimmer out of the water, but the attack took place before he could reach him. 

The victim of the shark attack was the only person in the water at the time of the attack. 

The shark responsible for the attack is still in Fish Hoek bay and is being monitored by the spotters. 

The beaches will remain closed until further notice. - BuaNews