Surfer Attacked by 3-Meter Tiger Shark at Pic du Diable, Reunion

On the evening of September 8, 2000, a 27-year-old surfer was attacked by a tiger shark at Pic du Diable, a reef surfing location near Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. At approximately 6:05 p.m. during dusk conditions, the surfer was preparing to paddle toward shore when a three-meter tiger shark suddenly lifted both him and his surfboard out of the water, catapulting him back into the sea. The shark initiated a series of aggressive attacks, biting simultaneously through the surfer's board and his left arm. The surfer described hearing a distinct crunch as the shark's teeth penetrated both surfaces. The bite was powerful enough to remove a significant chunk from the surfboard. Despite the severity of the encounter, the surfer kept his board positioned between himself and the shark as a defensive measure. When the shark approached for another attack, the surfer struck its snout with his fist. This defensive action proved effective—the shark disengaged and did not return to attack again. The surfer then successfully climbed back onto his damaged board and caught a wave to shore, where he received medical treatment for lacerations on his left arm. The wound required approximately twenty sutures to close. This incident is classified as an unprovoked attack. The surfer sustained moderate injuries and survived the encounter. Despite the traumatic nature of the attack, the victim expressed his intention to continue surfing, though he indicated he might avoid the Pic du Diable location in the near future. The incident occurred during waxing gibbous moon conditions with 74% lunar illumination.