A SURFER has been mauled by a shark after beachgoers saw a huge predator lurking near a popular beach.

Witnesses said the shark was “gigantic” and could clearly be seen from the shore “as if it was a whale”.

Great White Shark with huge mouth open, Guadalupe, Mexico
A surfer has been mauled by a shark after beachgoers saw a huge animal lurkingCredit: Getty
 

Mouth of Big river in Mendocino county, California, USA. Mendocino Headlands State Park.
The beach is a popular surfing destination south of Mendocino, CaliforniaCredit: Alamy
 

Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
One witness said the shark seemed to come back for a second bite of its victimCredit: Getty
The 39-year-old man was rushed to hospital after the animal attacked.

Early reports suggest the victim was able to make his way out of the water after the mauling.

He had injuries on both legs.

Luckily, three quick-thinking off-duty lifeguards stepped in to help.

They found him at the extreme north end of the beach and requested a quad bike to get the victim rapid medical support.

One witness told Mendocino Coast News that the shark seemed to come back for a second bite of its victim.

He said the predator circled even as rescuers were helping the man.

But they did not see the beast and another onlooker had to yell to warn them of the danger.

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The man’s injuries were described as serious, but did not involve bleeding arteries.

A paramedic at the scene said an airlift to hospital was not strictly necessary.

But a chopper was already in the air.

The terrifying attack took place at the popular Big River Beach.

It’s a usually serene surfing destination located in the Mendocino Headlands State Park in California.

Officials have not given an update on the victim’s condition, but he was taken to hospital in Fort Bragg.

An investigation has been opened into the attack.

And the beach will stay shut for 48 hours, with signs posted nearby to warn surfers.

It comes after the body of a triathlete feared to have been killed by a shark was found on a beach – six days after the suspected attack.

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Swimmer Erica Fox, 55, vanished while she was in the water off the coast of California on December 21.

Her body was found six days later near Davenport Beach – around 30 miles from where she was last seen.