by Los Angeles, CA – In an unusual marine encounter, a 54-year-old solo marathon swimmer was bitten by a 3-foot-long shark while swimming between Catalina Island and San Pedro during the early hours of Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The swimmer, undertaking a grueling over 20-mile journey, sustained minor injuries but was quickly aided by his crew and emergency services.
This rare shark interaction highlights the unpredictable nature of open-water marathon swimming and the importance of safety precautions during such endeavors.
A Rare and Surprising Shark Encounter
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the swimmer had covered approximately 12 miles from Catalina Island, aiming for the mainland near San Pedro. According to Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fireboat Pilot Shaun Corby, the shark, estimated to be a white shark about three to four feet long, “just nipped at his leg and his foot and then took off.” Fortunately, the swimmer’s wounds to his foot and leg were described as minor cuts.
“It sounded like about a three to four-foot white shark just nipped at his leg and his foot and then took off,” said LAFD Fireboat Pilot Shaun Corby.
Emergency Response and Treatment
The swimmer was immediately pulled from the water by his accompanying crew and treated on the boat before rescue teams arrived. Four boats from the Los Angeles Fire Department were dispatched, with the first arriving about 40 minutes after the initial emergency call. The vessel was found roughly eight miles off San Pedro.
- The swimmer was attended to by two paramedics onboard and later transported to a hospital.
- Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Adam VanGerpen confirmed the man was “awake and talking and sitting up” after the incident, suffering only mild distress.
- The swimmer and his crew had intentionally started their swim at midnight to avoid shipping traffic disruptions.
“It’s pretty rare and I guess we’re all lucky that the shark just nipped at him, didn’t like it and swam away,” VanGerpen added.
Context and Safety in Open Water Swimming
Marathon swimming, especially across areas like Catalina Island to the Los Angeles mainland, is a demanding sport that poses various environmental risks including encounters with marine wildlife. This incident, reported by People, serves as a reminder to swimmers and safety crews to be vigilant and prepared.
Key points to consider for marathon swimmers include:
- Maintaining close communication with support boats.
- Choosing swim times to minimize interactions with commercial shipping lanes and marine animals.
- Having emergency medical plans in place.
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What This Means for Swim Safety and Awareness
This rare shark bite has prompted discussions within the marathon swimming community about the unpredictability of ocean conditions and the need for heightened safety protocols. Experts emphasize that while shark attacks in these waters are uncommon, they can happen and preparedness is crucial.
For the swimmer involved, the incident ended without serious harm, but it serves as a learning moment for all open-water athletes.
What do you think about this rare shark encounter during a marathon swim? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
