Kite surfer dies after being surrounded, bitten by sharks in rare fatal attack in Fla. waters

Man dies in rare fatal shark attack off Fla.

STUART, Fla. — Sharks have killed a kite surfer off an Atlantic beach in a rare fatal attack in Florida waters.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said a lifeguard first saw 38-year-old Stephen Howard Schafer in distress Wednesday about 500 yards from shore, near the town of Stuart.

The lifeguard paddled out and found sharks encircling Schafer. The lifeguard put Schafer on his rescue board and paddled back to shore. Paramedics took Schafer to a hospital, where he later died.

While swimmers and surfers often receive minor bites in Florida, officials say fatal shark attacks are extremely rare.

Research scientist Grant Gilmore told Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers the attackers were likely juvenile great white sharks.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

STUART, Fla. (AP) — Sharks are being blamed after a man kite surfing off a Florida beach was surrounded and attacked so badly that he died.

While swimmers and surfers often receive minor bites in Florida waters, officials say fatal shark attacks are extremely rare.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said a lifeguard first saw the man in distress about 500 yards from shore Wednesday near Stuart, on the Atlantic coast. The lifeguard paddled out and found sharks encircling 38-year-old Stephen Howard Schafer.

The lifeguard put Schafer on his rescue board and paddled back to shore. Paramedics took Schafer to a hospital, where he later died.

Research scientist Grant Gilmore told The Palm Beach Post the attackers were likely juvenile great white sharks.