Reunion: Surfer Dies from Shark Attack

The shock is tremendous, unbearable, for relatives of Alexander Rassiga as for all the surfing community. The young man was attacked by a shark Monday around 16 pm on the 30-spot Three Basins. Three other young surfers were a few meters from him at the time of the attack. They are the ones that describe the exact circumstances. "We surfed the Left fags. Alexander took a wave to the end, it came out, between the left and the peak, just a little higher than the potato coral and began to row to go up. This is where I heard him shout, "said Jeremy. "I was going to catch a wave and when I saw him, I understood immediately that he was attacked, there was already a pool of blood around him." Meanwhile, Mark, also on the spot, saw the spoiler "and mass" spinning.

Both surfers and their third friend, Arthur, rush. "He told me, do me a tourniquet," reflects Mark, obviously in shock. "I was petrified, I thought the shark was probably still there, I did not know what to do", continues Jeremy. The three surfers still running quickly, grab the leash of their boards to try to stop the bleeding. But a wave overturns. Alexander has his right leg severed below the knee, the left leg also bitten.

"We tried everything to save him"

"We tried the withers, it did not work after we tried to extend it on a board and exit through the rocks with the waves but it was not possible", still describe the three surfers who manage finally reach the beach in minutes. Alexander had already lost consciousness. On the sand, a doctor takes over, waiting for rescue on site a few minutes later. It is then the firefighters and physicians Smur trying to revive him were unsuccessful.

An hour later, the three companions of Alexander surfing are prostrate, sitting by their car. "We did what we could, we tried everything to save him." Near the beach, family and many friends are also collapsed.

The last safe spot and yet ...

This sixth attack in 18 months, the third fatal extend inexorably comes a spate of accidents in 2011. Yesterday, the tragedy occurred in conditions sadly commonplace at this time of year. Rough seas in the wind, a strong swell without being exceptional, always troubled water near the edge behind the waves but clear, according to witnesses of the accident. The attack took place mainly within half an hour after the departure of lookouts who watched the spot for surf schools, present since morning.

The spot-Three Basins in fact hosted for several months practitioners of other spots banned after attacks last year. Beginners and experienced surfers as instructors there were "refugees". Paradoxical, because at the same time, each designated this spot popular as the probable theater of another attack.

Roland Ramakistin, Mayor of Three Basins, immediately banned swimming and all water activities in the waters of the municipality, until further notice. Course insufficient for many surfers present Monday night. Angry surfers that have greatly concerned the sub-prefect of Saint-Pierre sent to the site. Ironical applause in recognition of their bitterness. For them, the authorities have not fulfilled their responsibilities. A feeling supported by several personalities including surfing Laverhne Amaury, when asked by our colleagues Antenna Meeting. "We have to stop surfing on the west coast," he said.

This new shark attack puts the risk on the front of the media scene as she places the prefecture in a situation to say the least sensitive. "You'll need how much?", A surfer asked the deputy prefect Monday night. Understand "how many deaths?". The beginnings of a new and long controversy to come.