California surfer says he punched shark till it let go
ASSOCIATED PRESS November 1, 2012 7:52AM
Scott Stephens of Manila, Calif., answers a question at a news conference at a hospital in Eureka, Calif., on Wednesday morning, Oct. 31, 2012, the day after he was attacked by a shark while paddling out to catch a wave near the entrance to Humboldt Bay, about 250 miles north of San Francisco. Doctors say Stephens suffered at least seven deep lacerations, but none of his vital organs were damaged. He is listed in fair condition. (AP Photo/The Times-Standard, Shaun Walker)
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Updated: November 1, 2012 7:52AM
EUREKA, Calif. — A California surfer who survived a shark attack says he punched the beast in the head until it finally released him.
Scott Stephens says the great white pulled him underwater Tuesday at a popular surf spot off the coast of Eureka and let him go only after receiving the blows to its head.
Doctors say Stephens suffered at least seven deep lacerations, but none of his vital organs was damaged. He was in fair condition Wednesday when he talked about the ordeal with reporters.
The 25-year-old thanked the doctors who operated on him and strangers who came to his aid. He says he plans to surf again.
Stephens’ news conference was reported by the Eureka Times-Standard (http://bit.ly/ScsMHU ).
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Information from: Times-Standard, http://www.times-standard.com
