Swimmer Attacked by Shark During Historic Channel Crossing Attempt

In a harrowing incident last month, a 54-year-old long-distance swimmer was attacked by a great white shark while attempting a historic swim across the Catalina Channel in California. The attack occurred on September 30th, 2025, around 12 miles off the coast of Catalina Island in the early hours of the morning.

The swimmer, whose identity has not been disclosed, was part of a group attempting to complete the "Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming," which includes crossing the 20-mile Catalina Channel. As the swimmer was making his way through the open waters, a 4-foot great white shark struck, leaving bite marks on his legs and feet.

Fortunately, the swimmer's injuries were not life-threatening. The captain of the swimmer's pace boat, The Bottom Scratcher, immediately reported the incident to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Rescue crews arrived on the scene within 40 minutes and transported the swimmer to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

While shark attacks on swimmers are relatively rare, this incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those who push the boundaries of human endurance in the open ocean. The swimmer's determination to complete the historic swim was ultimately thwarted by the unpredictable forces of nature, but his resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the human spirit.