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In a dramatic scene captured on video, a young fisherman bravely dove into the turbulent surf of Southern California to free a shark tangled in his fishing line.
Kevin Phan, 20, found himself in an unexpected encounter around 9 a.m. on Wednesday while fishing from a pier at Hermosa Beach, when a shark snagged his line.
The footage, recorded by onlookers, shows Phan sprinting towards the water’s edge to assist the struggling creature.
In a display of daring, he ventured perilously close to the shark as he worked to cut the line from its mouth.
The dramatic rescue of the stranded great white shark off California’s coast was captured on video, showcasing the young fisherman’s quick thinking. (Credit: Alexandra Garry via Storyful)
Witnesses could be heard in the background speculating whether the shark was still alive.
After a number of tumbles through the incoming crashing waves, Phan grabbed ahold of the shark’s tail and fearlessly guided it back into the ocean, prompting cheers from onlookers.
“I saw a bunch people over there, and I ran down there like there’s something going on,” witness Stephen Copeland told local outlet KTLA. “He was in his underwear… he said that was the second one of the day.”
A great white shark swims in the waters off of California. (Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild)
Phan reportedly suffered minor cuts and scrapes, but was otherwise unharmed, according to the outlet.
Other fishermen at the pier said they may avoid the casting spot due to an increase in shark sightings.
Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias) on the Guadalupe Island. (Dave Fleetham/Design Pics Editorial)
“Don’t know if I’m gonna be coming here as often because of that,” George Lam told the news station. “Mostly just here for smaller fish, something get a quick bite.”
Studies by the California State University at Long Beach showed juvenile great white sharks generally pose a low risk to humans at beaches.
However, they frequently gather near the shore to feed on small fish.