Two off-duty Monterey County Deputies helped save the life of a spear fisherman who was attacked by a shark near Pebble Beach Friday afternoon.
Grigor Azatian, who was attacked by a 15-foot great white shark, is recovering from surgery after suffering a significant bite to his right leg. Officials say he is in stable condition at a trauma center in Salinas.
Authorities said the incident occurred about 1:45 p.m. in Stillwater Cove, near The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Two off-duty deputies were fishing near Stillwater Cove when they heard of the nearby attack and rushed to help.
Azatian was spearfishing with his dad in a popular fishing hole when he was attacked and bitten at least twice in his right thigh.
"In that moment it was just a shock for me," said Armen Azatian, the victim's father. "It was a horrifying scene. My thought was just to try and help him to stop the bleeding."
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the incident.
Local shark expert, Sean Van Sommeran said this is peak season for adult sharks to migrate to shore and many come in looking to feed.
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Despite the incident, beaches will remain open to the public over the holiday weekend.
No other information was immediately available.
