UPDATE: Several Beaches Still Closed After Shark Attack

A number of Beaches in San Diego's North County remain closed following Friday's fatal shark attack on a local triathlete.

David Martin, 66, of Solana Beach, was killed early Friday morning when he was bitten in both legs by what authorities believe may have been a great white shark. Several people on the scene who were swimming with Martin at the time helped bring the former veterinarian into shore, but he was likely already dead. Although autopsy details have not been released, reports say Martin likely bled to death before reaching the shore.

Great white shark attacks are extremely rare in Southern California waters. Although there is a substantial seal population in the La Jolla area, there has not been a confirmed great white attack in the San Diego area in some 50 years. Sharks are very minimal in the water off Southern California, though female great white sharks can move south from their usual territory in the cooler waters of the central and northern coast to pup. Experts say the shark that attacked Martin could have been anywhere from 12 to 17 feet long.

Beaches were ordered closed until at least Monday morning from Torrey Pines State Beach to south Carlsbad.
Authorities said that while warning signs are posted, no one will reportedly be arrested if they dare to enter the water.

FRIDAY HEADLINES..... Shark Attack in San Diego

NEWS

* Several beaches in San Diego's North County were closed Friday morning after a shark killed a man swimming less than 200 yards from the shore in Solana Beach. The victim, David Martin, 66 of Solana Beach, was apparently bitten in both legs by a great white shark, although authorities have not confirmed that species of shark. Beaches were ordered closed for at least 72 hours from Torrey Pines State Beach to south Carlsbad. Great white sharks are rarely seen in the San Diego area, but there have been a few attacks in the past that make them not entirely impossible.The last fatal shark attack in San Diego County was off Ocean Beach in 1994.

* A hit-and-run accident claimed the life of a man who was fatally injured on a transition road off the Santa Monica (10) Freeway in the Los Angeles area. Authorities say they received a call shortly before 5:30 a.m. The man, who was not immediately identified, was reportedly in his mid-30s.

* Reflecting the general upward trends in the cost of property and liability insurance claims, State Farm General Ins. Co. has filed a request for an average statewide 6.9 percent rate increase with the California Department of Insurance. The rate filing covers policies for homeowners, renters and condos. For more information on this story, visit dailyinsurer.blogspot.com.

SPORTS

* The San Diego Padres open a three-game set at home tonight with the N.L. West leading Arizona Diamondbacks. First pitch at Petco Park is set for 7:05 p.m. Meantime, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies, while the San Francisco Giants are home to the Cincinnati Reds.