California Surfer Injured in Shark Attack at Big River Beach

A 39-year-old surfer from Northern California suffered severe injuries to both legs in a shark encounter Wednesday evening while riding waves off Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park. Jason Eastman was attacked around 5:15 p.m., prompting a swift response from bystanders and emergency personnel that likely saved his life.

Eastman, who was surfing alone at the time, described the sudden assault in an interview from his hospital bed. "One of the thoughts was just like, 'Oh my God, this is actually happening, this is an actual shark attack,'" he recounted. As the shark struck, Eastman said he immediately thought of his wife and young child, pushing him into survival mode. "I cannot die. I can't die right now," he told reporters. Despite the pain, he managed to paddle back to shore, where three off-duty lifeguards who were surfing nearby spotted him and rushed to assist. Witnesses reported seeing the shark circle the area and return at least once during the incident, with some estimating its size at 15 to 20 feet based on observations from the bluff.

Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including California State Parks, CAL FIRE, the Mendocino County Sheriff's...