Media statement: At 12h41 on Thursday, 19th April, NSRI Gordon’s Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports of a man bitten by a shark at Dappat se Gat between Gordons Bay and Koel Bay (a popular surfing and body boarding spot) on the False Bay coast of Cape Town.
NSRI Gordon’s Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched sea rescue craft, the SA Police Force,
the Skymed rescue helicopter and METRO EMS responded to the scene.
On arrival the body of a 20 year old Camps Bay man was found on rocks on the shore and the body has been recovered by NSRI rescue volunteers and EMS rescue personnel and handed into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.
The deceased man sustained complete amputation of his right leg, below the hip, while body boarding with his brother and friends (it is believed 4 people were in the water at the time) and he was rescued from the water by his brother, friends and bystanders.
There are no other bite marks or lacerations on the deceased mans body – only the complete amputation of the right leg and the leg has not been recovered.
The deceased mans father arrived on-scene and Police Trauma Counselors are assisting the family.
Eye-witnesses have told NSRI that a single 4 to 5 metre Great White shark was involved in this incident.
Eye-witnesses claim that following the incident (up to) 6 sharks were counted in the area (following the incident).
NSRI extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends.
On behalf of NSRI Station 2 – Bakoven I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends. Being part of the Camps Bay community we are saddened by the loss of such a young and talented resident.