A 30 year-old Hermanus angler was bitten by a ragged tooth shark early this morning at Struisbaai during a fishing competition.
The angler, Kobus Koeberg, suffered lacerations to his calf and achilles heel on his left leg and had to be airlifted by helicopter to Bredasdorp and then transported to hospital.
Reinard Geldenhuys, NSRI Agulhas station commander, said at 7.30 am on 16 March, NSRI Agulhas volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports of an angler bitten by a shark at De Mond, 15 kilometers from Struisbaai. The angler was reportedly unable to walk and losing blood.
“Because of tidal conditions, making the area inaccessible by road, the Overberg Fire and Rescue Services was alerted. A Working on Fire helicopter was called and WC Government Health EMS paramedics, Fire and Rescue Services personnel and NSRI Agulhas rescue volunteers were on board the helicopter which landed close to the scene.”
The wounded angler was found fully conscious and in good spirits. He was was stabilised by paramedics and placed in the helicopter. From Bredasdorp Hospital the patient was later transferred by ambulance to a private hospital in Hermanus where he is undergoing surgery to repair damaged tendons.
Koeberg had been taking part in a ‘tag and release’ surf angling competition. It appears he had caught an approximately 1.5 meter Ragged Tooth shark. He was busy measuring and releasing the shark in shallow surf when a wave knocked him over and the shark bit him. The shark was safely released.
(edited)
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