This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Fishermen Who Snagged Great White Shark In Manhattan Beach Attack Are Off The Hook
The Manhattan Beach pier, near where the swimmer was attacked. (Photo by bloodyeyeballs via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
The fishermen who hooked a great white shark who went on to attack a swimmer in a rare attack in Manhattan Beach this weekend won't be cited.
Fishermen had hooked a 7-foot-long shark and kept it on a line for 40 minutes, according to the Los Angeles Times. It's illegal to fish for great whites, but the fishermen said they didn't cut the line immediately because they hoped to guide the shark away from swimmers. It didn't work out that way. In its agitated state, the shark bit long distance swimmer Steven Robles. Though he thought he was a goner at the time, he's expected to recover.
Capt. Rebecca Hartman, a law enforcement officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the Times that they reviewed a video showing the attack and interviewed the fishermen: "So far, we have found nothing to indicate that this was malicious."
Manhattan Beach announced yesterday that the city was banning fishing off the pier in the meantime.
Here's the video of the fishermen, some bystanders and the attack from afar:
Related:
Video: Footage Of The Manhattan Beach Shark Attack, Swimmer 'Thought This Was It'
Map: Shark Attacks in California Since 1851
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
