Mexican authorities killing sharks after attack on surfer

Authorities in Mexico are hunting sharks near the beach where an American surfer was killed in an attack this week, the Associated Press reports from Acapulco. Adrian Ruiz, 24, of San Francisco bled to death Monday after he was bitten on the thigh.

The attack occurred off Troncones beach, a popular warm-water destination for American surfers, a 45-minute drive up the coast from Ixtapa. It came three days after a great white shark fatally wounded triathlete David Martin, 66, as he swam off the coast of San Diego.

The AP describes the response by Mexican authorities:

Mexico's Navy and maritime authorities said they have strung about 200 meters (yards) of lines with baited hooks near the beach in an attempt to catch sharks that may be using the area as a feeding ground.

Emergency personnel are warning beachgoers about sharks' presence near the largely undeveloped oceanfront, said local civil defense director Jaime Vazquez.

It is not clear what species was involved in Monday's attack, but Navy Cmdr. Arturo Bernal said that helicopter overflights had sighted two great white sharks nearby.

"We hope to catch any sharks that there are in the area," Bernal said, noting it was the only way to prevent further attacks.

A nonprofit group called Wildcoast, which sent the photo above, is documenting the efforts to catch sharks. "They have killed 10 sharks already," said Fay Crevoshay, the group's director of communications. "They are still trying to fish more sharks to tell the surfers that it's OK, they've dealt with the problem. They are worried about losing tourism from surfers."

Wildcoast Director Serge Dedina said the killings are driven by what he calls "international shark hysteria." In his view, "surfers are staying away from Mexico in the tens of thousands due to crime, not fear of sharks."

In a compelling story, the San Francisco Chronicle describes Ruiz, the attack victim, as a bartender who saved up each year to go on surfing trips around the world.

-- Steve Padilla and Kenneth R.Weiss

Photo: Enrique Rodriguez/Wildcoast

Comments

[Aida Navarro]

Clarification:
WiLDCOAST is down there not to document, but to PROTEST the sensless kill of sharks.

It is unfortunate that the Mexican government chose to kill sharks as a result of the death of Adrian Ruiz. These animals more than likely had nothing to do with the attack. Since sharks are threatened in Mexico, this is the worst type of vengeance security imaginable.

Once again, WiLDCOAST, together with other local and international organizations wants to convey its sorrow for the sensless killing, and demands it to stop.

[Tony D]

I have an Issue with this comment from the wildcoast guy
"surfers are staying away from Mexico in the tens of thousands due to crime, not fear of sharks."

Perhaps in Baja but this area is extremely safe. I have been here many many times and there would be no cause of concern crime wise. Now the undertow that is another matter.

[MELVIN ENDICK]

PLEASE LEAVE THE SHARKS ALONE!
THEY HAVE EXISTED ON EARTH FOR MILLIONS OF YEARS. THE HELP TO KEEP THE OCEANS HEALTHY.
WHY IS IT THAT MAN ALWAYS WANTS TO KILL THE THINGS HE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND?

[Mrs. CR Mannino]

WHY NOT REMOTELY DETER THE SHARKS RATHER THAN KILL THEM?

[Brandon A]

It is amazing how ignorant the human race is! Who do we think we that we think we can take the laws of nature into our own hands? This just sickens me and truly makes me cry.

[Craig]

I was at the spot and we were chased out by the same shark that just killed someone over in Ixtapa at Troncones.
It is surreal to whole experience, but as a surfer I know the perils. I just feel sick to my stomach that we have to go and hunt down the sharks when it is the Sharks domain.

My friends and I even went out the next day at the point knowing full well that we were taking our life in danger. But that is my choice. If anything, the resoft and city of Troncones is partly to blame. We told everyone and everyone knew of the agressive shark.

Craig

[mark harding]

hang baited hook in the water? isn't that going to ATTRACT sharks? ddduuurrrrrhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Serge Dedina]

I am the Wildcoast guy referred to by Tony. First of all, Guerrero and Michoacan are among the most crime ridden states of Mexico, with the brutal violence of the narco-war having resulted in the deals of hundreds of people. In addition there is a small scale guerrilla conflict occurring in the state of Guerrero, which has a reputation as one of the most violent, poverty stricken and anti-democratic states in Mexico. You only have to see the fortified power plant outside of Ixtapa to understand how seriously the Mexican government is taking this armed conflict. Finally--there is no such thing as an undertow. The beaches in Southern Mexico--mostly beach breaks are the locations of severe rip currents. If you are not a strong swimmer with extensive experience at beaches with large rips (e.g. Newport, Huntington, Zuma) best not to swim at these beaches.
Serge Dedina
Executive Director
WiLDCOAST/COSTASALVAjE