Shark Attacks Off Malibu

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 4 Oct

   The injured man then called his girlfriend, a retired lifeguard, who contacted 911.

   3 outlets · New York Post
2. 5 Oct

   The shark then bit him a second time before swimming away, according to reports.

   3 outlets · Fox News
3. 7 Oct

   Shark attack survivor Mel Ismail has spoken for the first time since a shark severed his leg while he was surfing off WA's Midwest coast.

   4 outlets · ABC News (Australia)
4. 9 Oct

   Many sharks, including the white shark and mako shark, do not have eyelids, but when attacking prey, they roll their eyeballs backward into their sockets as a protective measure, exposing a tough layer of white cartilage.

   2 outlets · New York Post

Coverage 9 articles

• 9 Oct Shark attack survivor thanks 'legends' who saved himMel Ismail, a surfer from Geraldton in Western Australia, was severely injured by a shark bite while surfing north of the city in mid-September, resulting in the loss of his lower right leg. Survivors and rescuers are now celebrating the quick actions of surfer Shannan Dunn who, despite danger, paddled to Ismail's aid during the attack. In addition to Dunn, several beachgoers provided crucial assistance both at the…ABC News (AU)
• 9 Oct Shark attack survivor says predator 'winked' at him as he fought it offMel Ismail, who survived a shark attack that severed his leg while surfing near Geraldton on Australia's west coast on September 14, describes the encounter as unusual because he felt the shark was "winking" at him. Despite losing his right leg below the knee and fighting off the predator by trying to push its eye, Ismail managed to swim back to shore with help from surfer Shannan Dunn. Authorities are still…The Independent
• 9 Oct Australian shark attack survivor says he hit at the predator’s eye in an effort to fight it offMel Ismail, an Australian surfer and professional firefighter, survived a shark attack near Glenfield Beach on September 14, 2026. During the attack off Western Australia's coast, Ismail lost his right leg below the knee but fought back by attempting to jab at the shark’s eye. He managed to catch a wave closer to shore where surfer Shannan Dunn rescued him and helped transport him safely. The incident highlights…New York Post
• 9 Oct Shark attack survivor Mel Ismail speaks out after losing leg surfingMel Ismail, a professional firefighter from Melbourne, Australia, spoke publicly for the first time about losing his leg to a shark attack while surfing off Glenfield Beach near Geraldton in September. The incident occurred on September 14, and Ismail shared new details of his encounter during an interview.Toronto Star
• 7 Oct Firefighter looked shark in the eye before it bit off his legMel Ismail, a firefighter from Western Australia, survived a shark attack while surfing off Glenfield Beach near Geraldton on September 14. During the attack, Ismail looked into the shark’s eye and tried to push it away before the shark severed his leg below the knee. Fellow surfer Shannan Dunn rescued him from the water, and locals helped stabilize Ismail until emergency services arrived. Despite the traumatic…ABC News (AU)
• 6 Oct Kayaker bitten by shark after accidentally hooking it while fishing off MalibuA kayaker fishing near Paradise Cove in Malibu was bitten by a shortfin mako shark on Sunday morning after hooking it and bringing it onto the kayak. The shark attacked twice, causing injuries to the man's leg; he was assisted by bystanders and taken to a hospital. Emergency personnel met the boat at shore around 8:30 a.m., but the extent of his injuries is not specified. Officials noted that shortfin makos usually…The Independent
• 5 Oct Malibu kayaker bitten twice by shark after reeling in and then attempting to release itA California kayaker was hospitalized after being bitten twice by a Mako shark off Malibu on Sunday morning around 7:30 a.m. The incident occurred when the fisherman accidentally hooked the shark and tried to release it, causing the shark to attack twice before he fell into the water. Lifeguard Alex Buford noted that Shortfin Mako Sharks are typically found in deeper waters but have been moving closer to shore due…Daily Mail
• 5 Oct Shark bites fisherman twice during kayaking encounter along California beachA kayaker fishing near Paradise Cove in Malibu was bitten twice by a shark while attempting to release what he believed to be a mako shark back into the ocean on Sunday morning. The victim suffered bite wounds to his legs and was rushed to a hospital by emergency responders after being assisted out of the water by another fisherman. Witnesses described seeing tooth marks near his knees, confirming two separate bites…Fox News
• 4 Oct Kayaker attacked by a shark off Paradise Cove in Malibu as dramatic video emerges: reportA kayaker fishing near Paradise Cove in Malibu was attacked by a shark at about 8:30 a.m. According to preliminary reports, the shark may be a mako, but officials have not confirmed this or provided details about the victim’s injuries beyond noting that lifeguards responded and he received medical treatment. A nearby fisherman assisted the kayaker after he fell into the water following two bites from the shark…New York Post

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