The Northern California coast is once again in shock. Last Wednesday, on March 18, 2026, around 5:00 p.m., a surfing session turned into a nightmare at Big River, near Mendocino. James Eastman, a 39-year-old local high school teacher, was targeted by a predator whose size sent chills down the spines of onlookers on the cliffs.
According to reports from the Mendocino Coast News, the shark – estimated to be between 15 and 20 feet (about 5 to 6 meters) – did not settle for a mere exploratory bite. Several witnesses described a terrifying hunting scene: the shark struck James repeatedly, coming back for more bites as he tried to get out of the water.
“The shark surged, hit the victim, and then began circling around him and the other surfers present,” a still shocked witness reported.
Seriously injured in both legs, James Eastman used all his strength to reach the shore. From his hospital bed, he told Good Morning America what kept him going as he saw the shark’s fin out of the water:
“I thought of my wife and child. I told myself, ‘I can’t die now, it’s not possible.'”
Fortunately, the surfing community’s solidarity was immediate. Three off-duty rescuers and several surfers came to the victim’s aid as soon as he left the water, providing crucial first aid before the arrival of emergency services, who had to use an all-terrain vehicle to access the northern area of the beach.
2025-2026: A record year for attacks
While the species has not been formally identified, the Great White Shark is the prime suspect given the reported size and geographical location. This attack is part of a concerning trend for California, which is currently experiencing a record number of human-shark interactions. This worrying increase in incidents is also being observed in Australia, signaling a troubling shift in global water sports safety.
Currently hospitalized, James Eastman’s life is no longer in danger, although his leg injuries are serious. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support this pillar of the local community during his recovery.
