SFPD Marine Unit Aids in Rescuing a Victim of a Shark Attack 18-139

On Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018, at approximately 11: 34 AM, the San Francisco Police Department’s Marine Unit heard a distress call originating from the Farallon Islands to the United States Coast Guard reporting that a diver had been bitten by a shark.

The SFPD Marine Unit headed towards the Farallon Islands to assist . Police contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and learned that the victim was in stable condition and was on a private vessel headed inbound towards the Golden Gate Bridge. The USCG was coordinating a helicopter medivac.

The USCG helicopter responded and SFPD assisted in navigating it towards the private vessel. The helicopter unit requested that a Marine Unit crew member board the private vessel to assess the victim and to assist in hoisting him to the helicopter. The diver stated that he was filming video when an approximately 17` great white shark bit his right arm. The officer evaluated the wound and applied emergency first aid to address the diver’s injuries.

The victim was transferred from the private vessel to the San Francisco Police Marine Unit and hoisted aboard the helicopter. The USCG helicopter transported the injured diver to Stanford Medical Center for treatment.

The San Francisco Police Department is proud that our Marine Unit officers were able assist our partners at the United States Coast Guard for their rapid response and rendering of emergency aid to the injured diver.