A 50-year-old woman was bitten by a shark Friday morning while swimming in Del Mar, Calif., prompting authorities to close the area to surfing and swimming.
The unidentified woman was bitten on the upper thigh and treated by lifeguards before being taken to a hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.
According to NBC News, lifeguards used a float tube and swim fins to assist the woman.
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The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that lifeguards saw the woman and her companion waving their arms to request assistance.
The incident occurred near 17th Street at about 10 a.m.
It was not immediately clear what type of shark bit the woman, but the several juvenile great white sharks have been feeding in the area, just beyond the surf, for weeks.
Last Sunday, the carcass of an 8-foot white shark was discovered on the beach at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Beach, just south of Del Mar.
The shark is believed to have died of wounds caused by fishing activity.
The beach closure at 17th Street will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday.
–Image shows the coastline of Del Mar as seen from Torrey Pines State Beach. Credit: ©Pete Thomas
