Shark Attacks Surfer Off Oregon Coast

Xmas Eve

(AP) SEASIDE, Ore. A man attacked by a shark while surfing off the northern Oregon coast Saturday suffered lacerations on his ankle and calf, authorities said.

The 30-year-old surfer, Brian Anderson, was "conscious, alert and smiling" on the way to Providence Seaside Hospital, said Seaside Fire Department Chief Joe Dotson.

"There was quite a bit of blood, but he was not entered into the trauma center, so I assume he will be fine," Dotson said.

Nursing supervisor Greg Bench said the surfer would be treated and released later in the night.

Witnesses told Dotson the 10-foot great white shark attacked around noon at the popular surfing spot near Tillamook Head.

"I think everybody got out of the water," Dotson said. "He didn't get seconds."

Dotson said it was the first shark attack off Seaside in his 26 years with the department.