A kayaker reportedly suffered at least two bites to the lower body after a shark encounter while fishing off Malibu on Sunday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. near the popular café at Paradise Cove, according to Traffic News Los Angeles.
The man was fishing from his kayak when a small shark allegedly bit him, sending him into the water, TLNA reported.
Preliminary accounts described the animal as a possible mako shark. After the first bite, it reportedly turned back and struck the kayaker a second time.
Another fisherman witnessed what happened and moved quickly to help, bringing the injured man out of the water and onto his boat.
The victim then called his girlfriend, a retired lifeguard, who contacted emergency services by dialing 911.
Los Angeles County lifeguards arrived and assisted in returning the man safely to shore. An ambulance later transported him for medical treatment.
The California Post has contacted Los Angeles County lifeguards seeking additional information, including confirmation of the reported shark attack, an update on the victim’s condition and details about the animal’s identification.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the shark species or released further information about the extent of the man’s injuries.
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Video captured at the scene shows a lifeguard moving quickly through the water as the rescue effort gets underway.
The footage appears to show relatively calm conditions along the Malibu coast, with a small boat positioned nearby during the response.
A man is also seen swimming toward the boat, though it is not clear whether he is the kayaker involved in the reported attack.
The shark itself is not clearly visible in the video, and the images do not independently establish that an attack occurred.
Officials are continuing to review the circumstances of the encounter.
The reported Malibu shark attack comes as lifeguards and beachgoers remain watchful for encounters with marine wildlife along the Southern California shoreline.
Sharks may enter shallow coastal waters while searching for food. Warmer temperatures, schools of baitfish and shifting tides can move prey closer to shore, attracting sharks to the same areas.
Sharks are found relatively near the Southern California coast throughout the year, although activity often rises during warmer months. Shallow coastal waters can also serve as nursery areas for some species, particularly when young sharks are present.
Shark activity may additionally increase around dawn and dusk, when reduced light and prey movement can create more favorable feeding conditions.