Video Striking footage shows a young angler confronting ocean swells to release a great white shark
Footage depicted a 20-year-old angler entering the surf to aid a beached great white shark along the California coastline. (Alexandra Garry via Storyful)
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Remarkable visuals recorded the moment a young fisherman waded into powerful Southern California waves to grapple with a thrashing shark and free it from his fishing tackle.
Kevin Phan, 20, was reportedly casting his line around 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday at Hermosa Beach when the marine predator became ensnared in his gear from a nearby pier.
In a clip filmed by onlookers, Phan was observed hurrying to the water’s edge to disentangle the struggling creature.
He seemed precariously close as he attempted to remove the line from the shark’s maw.
Footage depicted a 20-year-old angler entering the surf to aid a beached great white shark along the California coastline. (Alexandra Garry via Storyful)
Spectators could be heard in the background questioning if the shark was still alive.
Following several tosses by the incoming breakers, Phan seized the shark’s tail and bravely guided it back into the sea, eliciting cheers from those present.
“I noticed a lot of people gathered over there, so I ran down to see what was happening,” witness Stephen Copeland informed local news outlet KTLA. “He was in his swimming trunks… he mentioned it was the second one he’d encountered that day.”
A great white shark navigates the waters off California. (Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild)
Phan reportedly sustained minor abrasions and cuts but was otherwise unharmed, according to the report.
Other anglers on the pier indicated they might refrain from using that particular fishing spot due to an increase in shark presence.
A great white shark (carcharodon carcharias) cruises near Guadalupe Island, revealing its formidable teeth. (Dave Fleetham/Design Pics Editorial)
“I’m uncertain if I’ll be frequenting this location as often because of that,” George Lam told the news channel. “I’m primarily here for smaller species, for a quick catch.”
Research conducted by the California State University at Long Beach has indicated that young great white sharks typically present a minimal threat to individuals at coastal areas.
Nevertheless, they often congregate near the shoreline to prey on small fish.