Close Shark Encounter at Oceano Dunes

Two men surfing near the Oceano Dunes Saturday morning had a very close encounter with a shark. Park rangers said the shark didn’t hurt the surfer but bit into his surfboard.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Park Ranger Robert Tolin said the

ay the shark bit the surfboard at the nose and the surfer was pushed off the board, when the surfer got back on the board the shark tried to bite again and missed.

Because the surfer was not bitten or injured officials said it’s not mandatory to stay out of the water but they are strongly advising people to be cautious.

Tolin said “It’s hard to say what type of species the shark was, they think it’s in the 15 foot range but it’s not clear.”

Shark specialists will analyze the bite mark.

People are encouraged to stay out of the water for the next 72 hours, and beaches will remain open.