On September 27, 2007 Sue Snyder was surfing with eight other individuals at Moonstone Beach in Humboldt County, California. It was 8:15 A.M. and she had been on the water about 60 minutes. Scott Paynton and the other surfers were 50 yards from shore with Snyder about 20 yards further out. Air and water temperatures were estimated to be 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It was sunny and clear with a glassy sea surface and 2–3 feet of water visibility. The water was 5–10 feet deep over a sandy ocean floor. A single seal was observed in the area prior to the attack. The following report was provided by Scott Paynton, a witness in the water at time of attack:

“There were nine people in the water at the time of the attack. Seven people were within a radius of approximately 50 yards. The other two were about 50 yards further south. The victim stated that she felt a bump and was pushed off her board. As she fell, she fell onto the shark as it swam by, running her hand along it and kicking it. As she screamed during the initial bump, another witness turned to see the dorsal fin and tail splashing past the board. The dorsal fin was 18–22 inches in height. At this point, the seven of us close together made our way into shore. On shore we discovered the 16" diameter bite mark in the back of the board. As best we can determine, the shark hit the fin of her board as it tried to bite. Fragments of teeth were left in the board. Parts of the board were punched through so you could see through the board where the bite occurred. Because the surfer was sitting, no injuries were sustained.”

Caution should be exercised when utilizing this location for your ocean water activities. Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee.

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