Swimmer Seriously Injured In Shark Attack In Del Mar

DEL MAR, CA — A swimmer was seriously injured in a shark attack Sunday in San Diego County, authorities said.

The attack happened around 9 a.m. about 100 yards offshore from the Beach Safety Center at 17th Street in Del Mar, according to the city. The victim was in a group of about a dozen swimmers who meet regularly to train in Del Mar when he was bitten in the torso, left arm and hand.

The 46-year-old man was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla with injuries that were "significant but not believed to be life-threatening," city officials said.

SEE ALSO: Shark Attacks Up In U.S.: How Common Is It In CA?

Lifeguards temporarily closed beaches for swimming and surfing from Sixth Street to North Beach, roughly one mile in both directions from the incident. The water closure will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The attack occurred less than a week after an aggressive shark believed to be a great white knocked a surfer off his board in San Clemente, prompting a day-long beach closure.

Shark attacks are uncommon along California's coast.

Last year, a total of 2 people were injured — one fatally — in unprovoked attacks in the waters off California, according to the University of Florida's International Shark File, a scientific database of global shark attacks.

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