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U.S. Air Force via Reuters
A sign is posted near the beach where a shark attack took place near Vandenberg Air Force Base on Tuesday.
Updated at 10:04 p.m. ET: A 39-year-old man surfing off Surf Beach near Lompoc was pronounced dead Tuesday after he was pulled from the water after an apparent shark attack.
The victim was identified as Francisco Javier Solorio Jr., 39, of nearby Orcutt.
A friend pulled Solorio onto the sand and started CPR while another surfer called 911. Solorio was pronounced dead at the beach, which is about 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara on Vandenberg Air Force Base.
He was "bitten by the shark in the upper torso area," according to the initial investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.
Solorio was not affiliated with the military base, according to a press release from Vandenberg.
Solorio's fatal injury appeared to be a shark bite, and his surf board had "visible signs of bite marks," according to Lt. Erik Raney of the sheriff’s department's Santa Maria station.
The sheriff's department did not have details regarding the type of shark involved in the attack but had contacted an expert to confirm the injury, the Vandenberg release stated.
The Vandenberg Air Force Base Fire Department responded to the 911 call at about 11 a.m. Three other males were at the beach at the time of the attack, the sheriff's department said.
It's been two years since a fatal shark attack at Surf Beach. In October 2010, a 19-year-old college student was killed in a shark attack off Surf Beach. Lucas Ransom was bodyboarding when he disappeared under the water about 100 yards off shore.
In 2008, a shark bit a surfer's board in the waters off the beach, one of three on the Air Force base.
Surf Beach was closed until further notice Tuesday and base officials were asking the public to avoid the area "due to safety considerations."
"We've had shark sightings up and down the Santa Barbara coastline pretty frequently recently," Raney told the Associated Press.
Leave a Comment:
That Bites.
The military now responds to shark bite 911 calls. Wow no wonder we need more money for its expansion.
This story is JAWESOME!
Well DICK The military always has and will continue to respond to emergency calls as long as they are the closest responder, be it traffic accidents or surfer accidents.
We're going to need a bigger navy.
Dick, you're a dick. This happened on Air Force property, which includes the beach area.
Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. I was stationed at VAFB in the early 80's and it was common knowledge there are great whites everywhere. In fact, around 1983 two UC Santa Barbara students were killed by a great white while kayaking. Why anyone would venture into the ocean in that area is beyond me.
Statistically speaking, you have a greater chance of dying in a car accident on your way to work tomorrow, than getting attacked by a shark there.
Of course, if one rare tragedy is enough to dissuade you, I assume you never fly on airplanes either.
DevlsAdvacut
You bite.
a comment to all surfer from Capt Quint .."your in the water,shark is in the water,good luck chief" but dont let that stop you from getting right back in there..dont be a quitter.
I don't buy that. The stats need to be adjusted for the number of people that use the public roadways every day vs the number of people who go surfing on a given day. Lies, damn lies and statistics. I want to know exactly what is being counted in each category and what the source is.
Oops . . I think I'm on the wrong Vine!! . . . My husband used to surf until I bit off one of his Legs!
Dick- Surf Beach is on Vandenberg AFB property. You know what they say about assuming...
The military responded because it's on Vandenberg Air Force Base. We go to this beach all the time because it's 10 minutes from our house. But the surf is absolutely treacherous and it's scary to see anyone out in it. When Lucas Ransom died there a couple of years ago I thought people might not surf as much there- but they do! My sisters boyfriend says it's one of the few places where he feels uncomfortable surfing once in a while because the water is so "sharky." I get what people mean when they say you have just as much of a chance of dying driving your car to work, but this is the 3rd attack (2 of them fatal) in 4 years at this very same beach. I'd say that the statistics are now showing that surfing at that particular beach is quite a gamble!
Here's to swimmin with bowlegged women.
If you're going to enter into the sharks' territory you HAVE to expect the possibility of being bitten and killed. In other words, "swim at your own risk". Not the sharks' fault.
I used to surf the area north of Santa Barbara too. Mainly Jalama Beach, which is south of Point Arguello. I never felt real comfortable surfing there either. I don't know why it felt more sketchy, and surfing in Ventura County, further south never did.
Dingle, Jalama beach is the same beach as Surf. Look, we surf there because we get clean left breaks. I don't surf there after the Ransom kid got killed. Ventura County is a hike, but it does have clean breaks and less sharks. Pismo (right of the pier) has clean rights. Sharks won't come in closer than the pier at either Pismo or Avila, but at Surf Beach... they get really close to shore. Condolences to the family.
Surf in known shark invested waters and your chances of being attacked go up. Common sense, some people have it and some don't. My thoughts go out to this guys friends and family.
Avenger, timid souls like you never truly live. Surely, he knew the risk but the adventurous nature of some human beings is what has made life as wonderful as we know it. I'm sure in your book, the Wright Brothers, Magellan, Columbus, Colonel Yeager, Neil Armstrong, the Crew of the CSS Hunley etc etc were all without common sense.
I mean every idiot knows what goes up must come down... metal drums with port holes eventually sink in water... The moon doesn't have oxygen and therefore doesn't support life....
If it were left up to you wed still live in caves with clubs!
F the sharks and the world soon we will all die the end of the world is near
DAWG POUND - What a crock! It is not a prerequisite that people must intentionally risk their lives in order to "truly live". The Wright Brothers, Magellan, Columbus, Colonel Yeager, Neil Armstrong,etc., did not recklessly risk their lives. They intelligently assessed the risks related to the endeavors that they were about to pursue and decided that they had a fair chance of surviving.
What does it mean to "truly live"?
To get in a ship that was more deadly to those inside than out? Yes that's stupid. So was marching in formation over a mile of open field against 5 times your numbers at Gettysburg. The Hunley sank three times and sank one ship. The Hunley killed 21 of it's own crews and only 5 of the USS Housatonic's.
Sorry, Dawg Pound, as callous as Avenger may have sounded, his point may have been closer to the situation than yours. Your examples are of people that did dangerous acts for the advancement of humanity or were "firsts" to prove that it could be done. Even a celebrity of extreme sports such as Evel Knievel did his stunts to break records (often his own) and help seal his "immortality" as the ones in your list.
But the surfer in this case was hardly doing anything not done before (sorry, surfing has been around a long time), nor doing anything to advance science, etc (I assume he wasn't testing any shark resistant suit of armor.) More like what Avenger said, most surfers with common sense know that swimming while on top of a board looks like a tasty meal to a shark especially one that preys on sea lions.
Following your logic that people who do dangerous acts know more about life then it goes to say that people who wrestle crocs or catch cobras with their bare hands or even an everyday dangerous act like smoking (knowing the risks of cancer) should know more about life. What you simply should have said is that "Most people don't appreciate life until they are closest to death" should have sufficed to make your point that extreme sports help one to appreciate how wonderful life is.
Well you learn something new everyday. I didn't know that the waters off Santa Barbera were known to be shark infested. Everything in life is a calculated risk including getting up in the morning.
Around 200 shark attacks occur world wide each year. Of those attacks, about 10 to 12 prove fetal. In the U.S. alone, about 40,000 people die in automobile accidents and 400,000 die of smoking related illnesses.
Driving is a necessity for most of us but, we really tempt fate when we light up and for no good reason. For the "truly living" people, just risking your life has nothing to do with "truly living." Truly living has much more to do with living your life the way you want to live it than it does with tempting fate.
While I wouldn't go swimming out there if there were seals in the area or if I saw sharks actively feeding, in any other case, I believe the drive to the beach may be far riskier than the swim once there.
Hmmm... Sharks like warmer water, which means almost the entire California coast. Most people who are enjoying water sports with a board wear a wet suit - usually dark blue or black. On any type of board, someone with a dark colored wet suit paddling out to ride a wave, would be unwittingly acting like an injured seal. The shark thinks it is easy pickings.
Same thing happened years ago in Pacifc Grove, at Asilomar Beach. That shark was a very BIG Great White. It took a bite out of the board and surfer wearing a black suit. When his body washed ashore about a week after the incident, the bite area went from his arm pit to the hip, to the back bone. One clean big bite - that no one could possibly survive. Seeing that ended my curiosity about surfing.
I'm not sure if DAYGLO Green or Fluorescent Lime/Yellow would make a difference; but if it was me, I would definitely stop using a dark colored wet suit.
Note - there is some risk by simply walking too close to the surf. Sharks and Killer Whales have been known to try to harvest "food" walking in ankle deep water or too close to the surf. It is much better to be safe than sorry.
I apologize, but I believe your shark attack statistics are off. Most of my reserach has indicated that there are an average of 65 shark attacks world wide per year, with up to 5 to 6 deaths. May I ask your sources? , Sharktrust.org
I thought the ocean water was cold in California in the 60's that's why they wear wet suits. Come to the Gulf of Mexico if you like warm water it's like swimming in your bathtub it's so hot.
I would die of a heart attack first. I do not go in deep ocean water, period!!!!
Actually the beach is more known for its dangerous riptides than sharks. You should know your facts
You're right, lolygro. I live near the beach. Just a couple of tips:
Sharks typically feed around dawn and dusk; aviod the water at those times. If you see you're in or near a school of fish, chances are a shark is nearby.
I don't understand people that risk their lives to surf. Would you swim with pirahnas? Gonna need a bigger boat, or surfboard.
Easy to say that in retrospect. In the early 1900s, the Wright Brothers were thought of as wreckless yahoos. Dozens of people, as it was reported throughout the US at that time, had died trying to fly. Unlike today, back then no one believed it was possible. In Columbus' day, when he left Portugal most everyone believed he would just fall off the world at some point because the "world was flat".
Surfing is a calculated risk. Of the millions of people around the world who flock to beaches each year we have some 20 - 30 shark attacks. MOST ARE NOT FATAL!
In fact, your lifetime chances of being attacked by a shark are just one in 11.5 million, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File. (unless you NEVER place your big toe in the water, board a sea worthy ship, or fly in a plane which navigates over salt water...Then you you are at a zero chance of this likely demise.)
In comparison, according to the National Safety Council you're one-year odds of dying in a car accident is about one 1 in 6500.
According the the CDC, your 1 year odds of dying by an object such as a tree branch falling out of the sky is 1 in 4200.
We all take risks! When your number is up. It's up!
Australia has taken to killing sharks close to shore. I agree with the avenger, knowingly surfing in SIW is on you, they get you they get you, shame Australia doesn't see it that way.
Growing up on the Atlantic Florida beaches there were many shark attacks. I went anyway and it was a thrilling time but you always looked behind. My Dad called us "surfburgers".
If your not the Fonz don't try jumping the shark!
We eat fish,fish eat us.
Wonder if the shark thought he tasted like chicken.
Everything to sharks taste like shrimp, the sea chicken.
At least he lived instead of just sitting in front of a computer in somebody's basement reading about other people doing things.
Orthehighway - why criticize others for sitting in front of a computer reading about what other people are doing when you are obviously doing exactly that yourself, Einstein?
Orthehighway, the jokes on you; I'm in Florida and we don't have basements here!
Orthe my friend I double dare you! Sharks and all try it!
@davidaja --- If you really live in Florida that means the jokes on you because you migrated from a very shallow gene pool or had last pick.
NC Vet - the gene pool of people who live in Florida is not as shallow as it is for those of you in North Carolina. At least they aren't known for marrying their first cousins like those of you who live from North Carolina up into West Virginia are known to do.
Not to sound insensitive, but if you knowingly enter the shark's territory, whatever happens to you is your own fault.
Ditto for people who go into the woods and try to get close to bears or other dangerous wild animals.
dont go in the water. dont go into the woods. hide inside your home. and always wear your helmet. what a joke.
Luke, I think thats what you grandfather said to your father when he saw you!
Even home isn't safe. Planes have been known to crash into them.
Probably a guy who said,"I have a right to surf here". Well I say, Go For It
So the gang bangers in Chicago have killed almost 900 people so far this year. Why don't we have snipers shoot and kill all those who look like gangbangers? Just saying.
????? What do "gangbangers" in Chicago have to do with sharks in the ocean along the coast of California?
Maybe the gangbangers could get free boogie boards and a one way trip to the beach. Hey you wanna buy some dope, Hey gimme my leg back. That aint part of the deal.
@Scales67 --- They are probably all Obama supporting democrats.
The point is gangbangers kill more people in one city in a month than sharks do globally in a year and no one really cares. However, when the occasional fatal shark attack occurs there is outrage to exterminate all sharks from the ocean or at least destroy a number of them locally.
Nobody cares that the gangbangers are killing people because they're killing other gangbangers, for the most part. And i think the sniper idea is a good one, but something that would be even better and would bring in more money for the shady city would be to allow "gangbanger hunting". You have to buy a license, only hunt in certain areas, have a bag limit per day, check them in, you know the whole nine yards. And in very short order, that crap would be stopped. If for no other reason the surviving thugs would stay inside, dress differently and change the way they appeared when outside. They would change all the things that made them stand out as a target (thug/gangbanger) or they would be a target... I want to go hunt some of them right now..:)
I would think the way humans are hunting down sharks for their fins there must be something pissing off the sharks. In other words the sharks are recognizing humans as predators. Kill them before they get killed. Isn't it great how animals adjust to their habitat over the years. I'd say the shark isn't still here because it is weak. I believe there is no more confusion. Sharks are attacking in self preservation. Why doesn't someone just start farming sharks instead of wiping out the species?
How much weed did you smoke before you wrote this? Or do you speak "shark" and have heard something.
Lenny12, your not that old if you read what he was commenting on Newbob's statement must be on some new drug! even acid wasn't that good in the 60's and 70's Sharks aren't animals.
Bubba, If they're not animals, then that makes them plants.....or one of a few other things that I can't spell anymore. I guess you're watching Fox as well.
You can't think beyond the fact that sharks are not mammals, but they are most certainly part of the Animal Kingdom. They are classed as Chondrichthyes.
knitwit good handle for this one. If sharks are attacking in self preservation ha ha! I would like to see more proof, They would be swarming beaches all over the place and taking out a lot more swimmers, you IDIOT! Yes you are right sharks are an animal! You though better read newboob!
Deepest of sympathies to the lost surfer's friends and family to die such a terrible manner.
Surfers = Food on a long plate.
On a crowded day it is like a buffet to them.
And for all the democrats.......Surf's Up please go surfing there.
AMEN!
Romney is the shark. Elect him and get eaten up by taxes.
What is Obama going to do, give us all money???
@Conneticut Yankee....yeah you, you Republican moron, maybe you need a dip in the shark infested waters off the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Maybe you'll get swallowed by a tiger shark or better yet let's make it a blacktip or even a spinner shark!! Maybe then you'll learn to keep your big trap shut. That junk was uncalled for and plain cruel. Maybe I speak on your level but someone like you needs a dose of your own medicine. lolllll
Oh and by the way moron I do know my sharks. I have only lived near and around them my entire life. so bring it, I'm sure we can arrange for your lesson 101 in shark infested waters. Surfing is a sport and it will be going on long after you and I are gone. It is sad when someone gets hurt but to wish this on someone is plain sick and demented. May the peace of the good Lord above shine down on this man and his family and friends~~
Bro, you are not a Yankee. Go back down South with all the other Red States.
Obama likes the POOR so much he has added 25 million.
The ocean is the native habitat of the shark, not of human beings.
So?
Humans have been using the ocean for thousands of years. People die there sometimes. What's your point?
Actually, didn't we all evolve from the ocean?
Dawg, I think you are being a bit harsh towards Avenger.
"If it were left up to you wed still live in caves with clubs!"
I think you're stretching the point somewhat.
Oh, and this guy probably was aware of the risks, but stop calling me Shirley.
California? One less Obama voter
Give it a rest, Goober.
hey Nerf......vote by mail....he already voted :P
Hey Nerd Herder, this part of California is Romney territory. Sorry for tour loss.
That's ok... Though he is dead, I'm sure the democratic party will figure out a way for him to vote anyway.
I can't believe you people ?...the article is about shark attacks and it some how manages to turn into a playground political statement , of my guys better than your guy..like a friggen' High School student council election.get over it fools ! here's my 2 cents niether is going to save the country from the hole dug by Obama , Bush , Clinton , Bush , Reagan , Carter , Ford , Nixon & Johnson administrations and plus the 2 "money whore party system" canidates all they have shown is that they do not have any plan and NONE of the outsatnding leadership qualities that are needed to pull this country back together and get it out of this hole...it doesn't matter which one wins , its just 2 types of poison only with different names , so STFU on your pick of poison ?...now back to the shark attack...great whites need their space too ya' know , Humans don't have exclusive rights to the oceans on the 3rd rock from the sun even tho as a species some humans are arrogant enuff to think so
Man...I can't wait for elections to be over. Can't seem to have a (relevent to story) conversation anymore. For the "political" posters....you're NOT helping your candidate with your comments....neither of them. Talk about sharks, shark attacks, surfers, cold water, warm water...ANYTHING but frigging politics!!! Sheesh!
That is too bad. That area is great white shark territory. Most likely that is what got him. My prayers are with his family.
dun na duna duna dun duna duna ohhhhhhh shark..... Pippen Pippen
Quote from AIRPLANE!:"Shanna, they bought their tickets, they knew what they were getting into. I say, let 'em crash."--Point is, this man took a calculated risk grooving it in the ocean; just as we all take risks everyday, doing something as routine as driving in traffic. I respect the man for going out doing what he loved.
Since we human have decided to Protect Sea Mammals and protect Sharks the populations of both spieces increase which creates this problem.
My condolences to the families who now have lost loved ones due to Shark attacks.
SHARK FIN SOUP ANYONE??????? IM ORDERING A FEW CASES JUST OUT OF SPITE.
Idiot.
By and large those protection measures are worthless because shark populations are usually global in spread; and if you've read the shark finning article you should know that most shark species are in decline.
Sharks are being decimated by the Asian fishing industry for the shark fun soup that you are referring to. Experts(one of which you are obviously not) estimate that as much as 90% of the shark population in our oceans has been harvested in the last 40 years. Sharks take a relatively long time to reach sexual maturity and as a result, it takes them a long time to recover from over harvesting. I'll assume that you are either a troll or hopelessly ignorant.
shark was just hungry
Well, at least he was likely a democrat...
Someone was attacked by a shark and killed. And you turn it into something political? Disgusting.
Shark attacks are now political. Wow!
I know the area. That is Great White central there on the central coast of Ca.
Well your playing in the sharks back yard you play by his rules or get out of the water, no worse than hikeing in bear country either way its AHHHHHHHHHHH SHYT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Living close to this surf break and having plenty of friends and family that surf it, I can tell you that anyone that goes out there knows the possibility of this happening and it doesn't stop them. Most locals will be the first to tell you that they are in the shark's territory, but this is what they (surfers) love to do. It's in their souls. Doesn't make it any less sad when it happens. Prayers to the family and friends on the loss of their loved one.