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Surfer Survives Shark Attack Off California Coast

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 13, Tommy Civik, a 26-year-old surfer, was attacked by a shark about 150 feet from shore in Mendocino County, California, leaving puncture wounds to his thigh and damaging his board, with emergency services responding.
The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m.
Civik described the attack as "like being hit by a car."
Civik reached shore and sought medical attention independently.
Local officials are investigating the shark species involved.

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Story summary

On January 13, Tommy Civik, a 26-year-old surfer, was attacked by a shark about 150 feet from shore in Mendocino County, California, leaving puncture wounds to his thigh and damaging his board, with emergency services responding.
The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m.
Civik described the attack as "like being hit by a car."
Civik reached shore and sought medical attention independently.
Local officials are investigating the shark species involved.