Surfer Attacked by Shark at Northern California Beach

Victim suffered injuries to both legs and was hospitalized after the incident.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A 39-year-old man was bitten by a shark while surfing at Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park, California. The victim, identified as James Eastman, was helped out of the water by off-duty lifeguards and taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries to both legs. Nearby beaches were closed for 48 hours following the attack, which remains under investigation.

Why it matters

Shark attacks, while rare, can have serious consequences for victims and highlight the need for ocean safety and emergency response programs, especially in remote coastal areas. This incident also raises awareness about the potential risks faced by surfers and beachgoers in Northern California.

The details

The shark attack occurred shortly before 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday at Big River Beach. Three off-duty lifeguards helped Eastman out of the water and provided medical assistance. Eastman said he could see the shark's head above the water and thought of his wife and 9-month-old child, fighting to survive. He eventually escaped the shark's grip by batting it on the nose.

  • The incident happened shortly before 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2026.
  • Nearby beaches were closed for 48 hours following the attack.

The players

James Eastman

A 39-year-old man who was bitten by a shark while surfing at Big River Beach.

California State Lifeguards

The lifeguard agency that responded to the incident and provided medical assistance to the victim.

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What they’re saying

“I could see the shark's head kind of above the water. I thought of my wife and my kid and I was just like, I cannot die. I can't die right now.”

— James Eastman

“This incident highlights the importance of having ocean lifeguard programs, and we thank our lifeguards for their quick, heroic actions. Lifeguards are an important part of the EMS and first-responder network along the rural northern California coastline.”

— California State Lifeguards

What’s next

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is continuing to investigate the shark attack.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for robust ocean safety and emergency response programs, especially in remote coastal areas, to help protect beachgoers and surfers from the rare but potentially serious threat of shark attacks.