SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A shark bite expert was at the Santa Barbara County Coroner's Office today to examine the body and surfboard of the victim who was killed in yesterday's attack at Surf Beach.
We learned yesterday that the man was bitten in the upper torso area, and according to the expert Ralph Collier, this was a significant bite. After examining the bite marks, Collier says they resemble those of a great white shark. He says the shark was probably a fully grown adult, around 15-16 feet. He described the wound as substantial and severe, and one that almost anyone would have died from.
Accompanying Collier to the Coroner's Office was Peter Howorth, who is the director of the Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center. Howorth deals with marine mammals that become injured along the coast, sometimes from shark attacks. Howorth says great white attacks have become more and more common since 2009.
According to Howorth, from the period of 1976 to 2008, "we would perhaps see one attack on these animals every few years. Then from 2009 on, that grew to several attacks per year. There has been a huge increase over the last 4 years."
Collier says people who choose to swim in the ocean need to be aware of the potential danger that is out there. He also said that since great white sharks can see color, to avoid wearing jewelry or bright colored swim suits if you plan on going in the water.
