Sharks in waters off Russia's Pacific coast have attacked bathers, in what media reported Thursday as an unprecedented event in the region, DPA reported.
A 25-year-old man was bitten on both legs while swimming some 50 metres off a beach in Russia's extreme south-east, adjacent to North Korea.
Other swimmers pulled the man to safety. The victim suffered deep cuts to both legs and severe blood loss, but his life was not in danger, a doctor at the Khasan city hospital told news agency Interfax.
Later in the day, a shark attacked a 16-year-old boy swimming near Zheltukhina island, a nature refuge and holiday resort some 25 kilometres north-east of the first attack.
The shark bit him in the leg, severing an artery. The victim was evacuated to a Vladivostok hospital by motor boat.
Marine expert Andrei Malyutin said the nature of the injuries and location of the attacks suggested one or perhaps more great white sharks were feeding in the area.
Sharks are uncommon in waters off Russia's Pacific coast but have been caught by fishermen from time to time.
Media reported that Thursday was the first time sharks had ever attacked people in the region.
Officials banned swimming at regional beaches, and said they may launch a shark hunt.
Sharks attack bathers off Russian Pacific coast
Sharks in waters off Russia's Pacific coast have attacked bathers, in what media reported Thursday as an unprecedented event in the region.
