Shark rips boy apart

News 24 ^ | 9-12-03 | News 24

[ambrose]

Shark rips boy apart

12/09/2003 19:19 - (SA)

Ziegfried Ekron

Cape Town - A teenage surfer died on Friday afternoon after being bitten by a shark at Noordhoek, a popular surfing spot near Cape Town, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed.

David Bornman, 19, "was attacked by a white death shark near the Kakapo wreck off the Noordhoek beach," said NSRI station commander for Kommetjie, Clive Mortimer.

Mortimer said the surfer, who was on a body board, was with five friends when the shark attacked.

"The shark attacked and then released him, but the initial bite was so bad that he bled to death within minutes."

Mortimer said the attack took place about 14:30, and by the time an emergency helicopter had arrived, it was too late.

Supt Nina Kirsten for police said the friends were quite deep in the sea when the shark attacked.

"They were about 40m behind the breakers when the boy's friends saw a 'huge' shark attack him."

Nicholas Reyneke for the WP Life Saving Association said Bornman almost immediately died.

"The shark bit him in the back and side, which caused immense trauma. The bodyboard was also ripped to pieces. The boy was dead before his friends got him to the beach."

Reynecke said it was the first lethal shark attack in four years in Cape waters.

"A couple of months ago a man was attacked at Scarborough, but he survived."

Reynecke said although swimmers and surfers always have to be on the lookout, shark attacks were fairly rare.

"One has a bigger chance of winning the Lotto than being bitten by a shark. Research showed that sharks mistook people on bodyboards for seals or dolphins and therefore regarded them as prey."

The beach at Noordhoek was closed to swimmers on Friday afternoon.

Reyneke said: "We will fly helicopter patrols over the area over the weekend, and will meet with other parties to plan a strategy to secure the beach."

He said many people were expected to visit the beach at the weekend, as good weather was forecast. - Die Burger/Sapa

[doug from upland]

"One has a bigger chance of winning the Lotto than being bitten by a shark.

====================================================

But if you lose the Lotto, you don't lose your life.

[Trust but Verify]

Even if I could surf, I wouldn't. You look too much like shark food.

[ChemistCat]

His friends were very brave to try to save him. Think how frightening and frustrating that must have been. So helpless, but determined to do all they could.

I am glad we have heroes among us who will risk their lives to try to help others.

[Diogenesis]

Katie: "We (at NBC) feel that this shark killing was due to President Bush."

---

"We (at NBC) all hope and pray that Saddam escaped harm, and hopefully fled to Syria."

[StatesEnemy]

Sharks are so misunderstood. They truly are friendly and inquisitive creatures. All he wanted was a school-age chum...

[fhayek]

Just remember, more sharks have been eaten by humans than humans have been eaten by sharks. ;^)

[tet68]

Hillery! Clinton, "Sharks are our friends, I have many, many
personal sharks myself."

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Just remember, more sharks have been eaten by humans than humans have been eaten by sharks.

Mmmm Grilled Shark.

[bandleader]

I grew up in Malibu,CA.I began surfing when I was about 6-years old.I guess we were lucky!I don't know anyone(personally)that was ever the subject of a shark attack.When we went up to Ventura(county line),we knew we were in more dangerous waters,but I was never attacked.I guess somebody up there likes me?

[LibWhacker]

Yeah, only because we have boats. Wait'll Gray Davis gives 'em drivers' licenses.

[paul51]

I was thinking the same thing when I read it. Those kids that bought him in had a lot of guts

[ChemistCat]

A million bodies or more enjoy the beach each year, and there are a few dozen bites, only a few fatal. It's probably more dangerous to take a shower with loose soap.

[delapaz]

We're gonna need a bigger boat.

[joesnuffy]

At first I thought this was another Pit bull shocker
The govt should make sharks like this illegal
The navy could take care of this pretty darn quickly
a few well placed depth charges

School Chum?....tasteless joke?

[NautiNurse]

[Prince Caspian]

What a horrifying picture! My blood would run cold if I saw that.

[JSteff]

Wow. Is that picture for real or a created graphic?

[cyborg]

OMG... if I ever saw that surfing, I'd be adding water to the water know what I mean?

[Shmokey]

That picture is real. Entering the food chain has it's drawbacks.