Dave Martin: Shark Attack Victim

The city of Solana Beech California has released more information about shark attack victim Dave Martin. Read below or watch a video from a man who witness what happened to shark attack victim Dave Martin (video link).

Solana Beach, CA April 25, 2008 2:00 PM - - The City of Solana Beach emergency crews were called to respond to a possible shark attack at approximately 7 a.m. this morning. Both Fire and Lifeguard Rescue Services arrived at Tide Park to assist a 66-year-old male victim, Dr. David Martin, who was pulled from the surf by fellow swimmers and transported to Fletcher Cove Park Lifeguard station for emergency treatment.

"We are all stunned and deeply saddened by this rare accident," said Joe Kellejian, Mayor of Solana Beach. "Dr. Martin was a good man, an expert swimmer and one who knew these waters well. We wish his family well during this difficult time."

Longtime Solana Beach resident, since 1970, and triathlete, Dr. David Martin succumbed to injuries brought about by a shark bite and was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:49 a.m. His injuries were reported to be several deep wounds to the legs. Dr. Martin was a retired veterinarian and expert swimmer who has been training with the Triathlon Club of San Diego (TCSD) out of Solana Beach for the past three years. There were nine swimmers in training, and Dr. Martin was in the middle of the group.

TCSD, comprised of expert swimmers, has been training on the same four mile route for the past four years. They usually swim in groups at approximately 150 yards off shore, using a buddy system whereby if a swimmer needed to go back to shore for safety, another swimmer would accompany them. TCSD have never experienced a shark attack.

Read more below about what happened to shark attack victim Dave Martin Friday.

Photos of Martin's family:

The victim of Friday's shark attack on Solana Beach in Southern California was a 66 year old man named Dave Martin. Read more about shark attack victim Dave Martin here and below.

Shark attack victim Dave Martin was a retired veterinarian training for a triathlon off the coast of Southern California was killed by a great white shark today in the state's first fatal attack in almost four years.

Dave Martin, 66, was with a group of swimmers from a local triathlon training group when he was attacked at about 7 a.m. local time in the waters off Tide Beach, in the city of Solana Beach, officials said. Solana Beach, with a population of about 13,000, is about 30 minutes north of San Diego by car.

``We're all shocked and dismayed at the event that happened here this morning,'' Solana Beach Mayor Joe Kellejian said in a televised news conference.

Comments

[edva]

Yes, too bad for the Doc, extremely sad for his family - but, how many sharks killed by humans today?
(Not saying that justifies anything, just pointing it out).

[wm1066]

They say sharks attack most at dawn and dusk, so why do people go into the water at this time? Are the waves better at this time? Why?

[browndog2]

Alot of people surf/swim before work. It's a lifestyle. San Diego shark attacks are unheard of.

[shengirl]

While this is a tragedy, here on the east coast we know not to be in the water at dawn or dusk, those are the times sharks are most likely to attack. Maybe, with the seeming rarity of shark attacks in Calif, they don't know it there. And to another poster, I doubt they are going to kill the shark [there are enough "sport fishermen" who already do that], they just want to know where it is, and keep swimmers, etc. safe till it leaves the area. Which it has probably already done.

[DontBanMeBro]

Dear Photojournalists & Editors,

Enough with the close-up photos of grief-stricken family members. How about showing some respect?!?! It's gratuitous. I am SURE you wouldn't want people publishing photos of YOU seconds after identifying a loved ones body. Shame on you for taking them, shame on you for displaying them.

[NoSillyName]

This is certainly very sad for the family and friends of this man. However, last I heard, the shark is now being hunted and I'm sure it will be killed. Why? Retribution? Punishment for "murder"? "Once its tasted blood...."? Someone please tell me what is the point?

[mojoman]

If you read the info at the Solano Beach link, they said that they are attempting to "track but not capture" the shark, using helicopters. They also acknowledge that it will be pretty hard to find the shark, since Great Whites travel very long distances.

These sharks eat seals, so when they mistakenly bite something that isn't a seal, (in this case a human in a wetsuit), they usually don't eat it. Where you get the the idea that anyone said anything about "murder" seems a little bizarre. Fish can't commit murder.

[NoSillyName]

mojoman, EXACTLY! That's why it was IN QUOTES. To HIGHLIGHT the ABSURDITY of retaliating against an animal. Animals don't commit MURDER.

[browndog2]

Solana was my home beach when I lived in So. Cal. back in the 90's. It's a more family friendly beach and the freaks hang on the southern beaches. This shark must be destroyed if possible so the good folks of North County can have their beach and peace of mind back.

[TMS]

I have houses in South Florida and in Hawai'i, and I surf almost every day. A surfer was attacked & killed here at S-Turns in Ka'anapali about a year ago. It happens. Nothing to be said can make it less shocking or tragic. Deepest condolences to the family from the surfing ohana here in Hawai'i.