On Wednesday, just after 5:00pm, a surfer was attacked by a shark in Northern California, sustaining serious injuries to both legs, requiring hospitalization.

According to local news, the victim, who has been identified as James Eastman, is a 39-year-old local high school teacher. Additionally, immediate action from fellow surfers on the beach following the attack may have saved the Eastman's life.

The Mendocino Coast News continued: “A witness described the shark as ‘gigantic,’ visible from shore. Several reported that the shark struck the victim, who witnesses said was a local man multiple times and then circled both him and other surfers.”

Following the attack, Eastman spoke from his hospital bed to Good Morning America:

"I could see the shark's head kind of above the water. I thought of my wife and my kid and I was just like, I cannot die. I can't die right now."

No confirmation of the species of shark – although likely a great white, given their known presence in Northern California – has been officially determined. And the extent of the injuries, beyond both legs being injured, has been disclosed.

Related: Nathan Florence's Wild Shark Encounter in Puerto Escondido

Per the California State Lifeguards, regarding the incident, they wrote:

“A surfer at Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park suffered a shark bite around 5:18 p.m. yesterday (3/18). Three off-duty lifeguards assisted the victim out of the water and provided medical aid per their training. The victim was surfing and sustained injuries to both legs. He was taken to a hospital in Fort Bragg.“This incident highlights the importance of having ocean lifeguard programs and we thank our lifeguards for their quick, heroic actions. Lifeguards are an important part of the EMS and first-responder network along the rural northern California coastline. Although uncommon, shark bites are one of the many different types of emergencies our lifeguards are trained to respond to and treat.”

The lifeguards added that the surrounding beaches have been closed for 48 hours following the attack, and that they are collecting evidence for an ongoing investigation.

For his part, once he's recovered, Eastman added:

"I love surfing so much and I would be very sad if I didn't surf again. As far as everything else is concerned, I was extremely lucky."

Related: Bull Shark Goes Berserk in Florida Jet Ski Attack (Video)

This story was originally published by Surfer on Mar 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.