'A miracle that Caleb is alive'

GEORGE NEWS - According to a local surgeon, it is a miracle that Caleb Swanepoel (20) survived the shark attack at Buffels Bay on Saturday in which his right leg was severed above the knee.

Luc, Caleb's father, told the George Herald that Dr Michael Ray Sunshine, who was on call at Mediclinic George when the helicopter brought Caleb in, said that his son is lucky to be alive.

"Dr Sunshine attributed Caleb's survival to the fact that the main artery clotted after the shark released its grip on Caleb's leg, causing the artery to go into spasm, which minimised the bleeding."

Caleb, a first year drama student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), was on a two-week holiday with his family in Buffels Bay where they had rented a cottage on the beach.

Caleb was the second victim in 24 hours to be attacked at a Southern Cape beach by what is believed to be a great white shark. Just the day before, 19-year-old surfer and fellow UCT student Dylan Reddering was attacked at Lookout Beach and suffered severe lacerations and muscle damage to the right side of his body, undergoing surgery soon after the incident. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Alas Caleb, though lucky to be alive, lost his right leg. He was moved out of high care into a general ward at Mediclinic George on Tuesday after undergoing an operation on Monday. The Swanepoel family, who live in Prince Albert, are in George to support their son and brother. Dad Luc says at this stage there is no talk of when Caleb will be released from hospital. "After we have consulted with the doctors we will decide whether his recuperation will be in George or Cape Town."

Caleb and his brothers, Joshua (22) and Alexander (19), were body-surfing on Saturday when they spotted the shark. Initially, the boys thought that the shark was a dolphin but, when it came closer, they realised their mistake. Swimming for the shore, Joshua and Alexander suddenly saw that Caleb was no longer with them. They then saw blood in the water and heard Caleb call for help.

Caleb's mother, Tracy Swanepoel, who was sitting on the veranda with her two daughters, also saw the shark's fin and the blood in the water. "When I saw the commotion and the sea turning red, I ran to help. I can't tell you what went through my mind when I saw him being helped out of the water by his brothers."

She says the bystanders on the beach, which included surfers and Dr Dee Richmond, all helped her son. "They clearly knew what to do in a case of an emergency and helped us remain calm under the circumstances," said Tracy.

This is the second tragedy at a Southern Cape beach that the family has had to endure. In February last year the George Herald reported on the death of Tracy's dad, Ted Barnato (76). He broke his neck after he dove into a sandbank while swimming at Victoria Bay.

Alexander says after the shark attack on his brother, the medical advice from the surfers was excellent. "They told us to keep his head below his heart and to raise his severed leg."

The family wishes to thank and acknowledge the role played by the NSRI, ER24, surfer Ruan Swart, Dr Dee Richmond, the staff at Mediclinic George, all those in Buffels Bay who helped and everyone in Prince Albert for their support. "We are grateful that Caleb is alive and we want to focus on moving forward in a positive way. We created a Facebook page, Caleb Swanepoel, to keep everyone updated with Caleb's recovery, Caleb values and appreciates all the support," said Luc.

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Tracy and Luc Swanepoel waiting an update on Caleb's emergency operation on Monday. Photo: Myron Rabinowitz

Caleb Swanepoel in the Swartberg during a hiking expedition in December last year.

Another beach tragedy... Luc Swanepoel, Caleb's dad, kneels next to his late father-in-law on 14 February last year. Ted Barnato (76) broke his neck while swimming at Victoria Bay. Behind him in the pink swimming trunks is Luc's son, Alexander. Photo: Lizette da Silva

ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST AND MARIZEL OOSTHUIZEN

Marizel Oosthuizen, is a second year journalism student at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.

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