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Shark Bites Paddle Board, Missing Paddler, At Cape Cod National Seashore

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By Kurt Repanshek - August 24th, 2017

A 69-year-old man paddle boarding at Cape Cod National Seashore was not injured when a shark bit his paddle board/NPS

Sharks long have navigated the ocean currents around Cape Cod National Seashore looking for a meal, but one that took a bite the other day got nothing but paddle board, missing the paddler on it but leaving a nice, toothy indentation.

Seashore staff said the shark bit the board about 10 a.m. Wednesday in the waters off Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

"The shark did not bite the person on the board, a 69-year-old man who was paddling approximately 30 yards offshore in three to five feet of water," said seashore Superintendent Kathy Tevyaw. "The incident occurred approximately 50 to 75 yards south of the lifeguard-protected beach. Seals were observed swimming nearby. There was an incoming tide, waters were calm, and mung was present, which limited water visibility."

The superintendent said the seashore staff has been working with "all of the towns on the Outer Cape to ensure that we share safety tips with swimmers, paddlers, surfers, and others who recreate in Cape Cod waters. These include, not swimming alone; remaining close to shore; swimming, paddling, kayaking, and surfing in groups; and not swimming near seals."

No other details about the incident, including the man's name or the estimated size or type of shark, were immediately available.

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