Fisherman Helps Free Shark Caught in Fishing Line at Hermosa Beach

Fisherman Rescues Great White Shark Off Hermosa Beach

A dramatic rescue unfolded on Wednesday as local fisherman Kevin Phan jumped into the Pacific Ocean to save a young great white shark entrapped on a fishing line off the Hermosa Beach Pier. The incident was captured on video by bystander Matthew McIvor.

Phan, who had inadvertently hooked the shark while fishing, quickly recognized the situation and rushed to the shore to assist. Once in the water, he approached the slowly moving shark and began his efforts to free it.

Witnessing the rescue from the pier, McIvor filmed as Phan gripped the shark’s tail, working to keep it submerged. The video also showed a local lifeguard arriving to lend support.

Phan successfully cut the line, removed the hook, and released the shark back into the waves. The moment drew cheers from around a dozen onlookers, and as the shark swam away, Phan exchanged high-fives with the lifeguard.

“It was an incredible sight,” McIvor recalled. He and his wife, regular visitors to Hermosa Beach, had initially thought the fishing struggle was unusual. "I usually never see anybody catch anything of importance," he noted. Seeing the bent fishing line indicated something significant was on the other end, leading to his astonishment upon spotting the shark.

McIvor, a resident of Hermosa Beach for 15 years, quickly began filming as he witnessed the unfolding rescue. He expressed initial concern but became increasingly reassured by Phan’s calm demeanor and expertise. “The kid really seemed like he knew what he was doing,” he said, praising Phan’s ability to free the shark within minutes.

Relief swept over the crowd as the shark was released, prompting McIvor to shout, "Good job!" He described the experience as a unique beginning to his wife’s birthday, a day marked by unexpected excitement.

After sharing the video on Instagram, McIvor was pleasantly surprised to see Phan comment on it. Although they had not met, McIvor later offered Phan a free meal at his nearby restaurant, where they missed each other that day due to McIvor’s birthday celebrations.

Experts note that this summer could see increased shark activity along Southern California’s coast due to warmer water and weather conditions. Chris Lowe, director of the California State University Long Beach Shark Lab, emphasized that the predicted El Niño and marine heat wave would likely encourage more sharks to venture closer to the shore, making for a “sharky summer.” He reassured beachgoers that while shark bites are rare, precautions such as swimming in groups and avoiding early morning or late evening swims can help ensure safety.

Recent sightings, including an incident in Newport Beach where an 8-foot great white was spotted circling a surfer, highlight the need for vigilance among visitors to the beach this summer.