Surfer mistakes huge creature for shark 1:12
(CNN) -
A surfer was killed in a shark attack in Morro Bay, California, on Christmas Eve, the Morro Bay Harbor Department confirmed to CNN.
"The Port, Police and Fire Departments attended to a report of a male victim who did not respond on the beach after he was pulled out of the water and suffered an apparent shark attack," the Port Department said in a statement.
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Authorities located the surfer at 10:48 a.m. local time (1:48 p.m. Miami time) off the beach at Morro Bay State Park, according to port director Eric Endersby.
Morro Bay is located 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities ordered bathers to stay out of the water for the next 24 hours.
The San Luis Obispo County Coroner's Office identified the victim and is working to notify closest family members before revealing his name, Endersby said.
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While beaches in the Morro Bay area and state parks remain open currently, authorities have ordered bathers to stay out of the water for the next 24 hours.
"It's a horrible accident," Endersby said.
"Fortunately, the weather and the wind have ruined the waves, so there are not many surfers, but we have closed the waters for safety."
State park representatives are currently on the scene investigating the accident.