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La Jolla — On June 6, 2011 Michael Bear posted the following 'Preliminary Report' on his Sevengill Shark website; "San Diego Free Diver Justin Schlaefli was attacked by sevengill shark this evening. The dive started at 5:45 PM and ended at 6:30 PM. The spear fisherman was attacked in the calf and ripped several holes into his 5mm wet suit and was lucky not to have broken the skin. The attack occurred near the reef off Children's Pool as he and 2 other divers were returning. The diver attacked had a kelp bass on his stringer when struck by the shark. This was reported to lifeguards at the pool who did not believe it at first until his wet suit was examined and the other 2 divers that witnessed the attack confirmed it. After the first attack the shark swam at one of the other divers who shot the shark in self defense. If anyone sees or finds a sevengill shark with a spear shaft and spear gun attached, it would be that shark." Justin Schlaefli later reported;“The calico had been cleaned and put on my stringer by my right leg 4 – 5 minutes prior to the encounter. I have heard numerous stories of sharks going after a fish that was shot and beating the diver to it but this was one level of aggression above that. I would consider it "provoked" because it was clearly after the dead fish. We were in the process of leaving the area to avoid a conflict when the sevengill bit my leg.” Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee
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