Surfer attacked by shark at Montaña de Oro leaves hospital

The surfer bit by a shark while surfing at Montaña de Oro on Sunday has been released from the hospital.

Kevin Swanson, 50, of Morro Bay, was released at 11:40 a.m. on Monday, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center spokesman Ron Yukelson confirmed.

Swanson had been held at the San Luis Obispo hospital after undergoing surgery on Sunday for a bite wound to his right hip and thigh, which he sustained while surfing at Sand Spit Beach in Montaña de Oro. According to witnesses, an 8- to 10-foot juvenile white shark swam up from underneath Swanson and dragged him below the water.

Swanson was able to paddle back to shore and received first aid at the scene before being taken via helicopter to Sierra Vista.

Swanson’s condition was originally listed as fair following the surgery; it was upgraded to “good” several hours before he was released, Yukelson said.

Swanson has not responded to requests for comment.

This story was originally published December 29, 2014 at 7:01 PM with the headline "Surfer attacked by shark at Montaña de Oro leaves hospital."