2 Californians punch sharks to save themselves

November 1, 2012 | Modified: November 1, 2012 at 11:03 am
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Scott Stephens of Manila, Calif., answers a question at a news conference at a hospital in Eureka, Calif., on Wednesday morning, Oct. 31, 2012, the day after he was attacked by a shark while paddling out to catch a wave near the entrance to Humboldt Bay, about 250 miles north of San Francisco. Doctors say Stephens suffered at least seven deep lacerations, but none of his vital organs were damaged. He is listed in fair condition. (AP Photo/The Times-Standard, Shaun Walker)

EUREKA, Calif. (AP) — Two Californians say they survived separate shark attacks over the past few days by punching the beast in the head.

Scott Stephens, of Manilla, says a great white pulled him underwater Tuesday at a popular surf spot off the coast of Eureka and let him go only after receiving the blows.

Doctors say Stephens suffered lacerations, but none of his vital organs was damaged. He talked about the ordeal Wednesday at a news conference reported by the Eureka Times-Standard (http://bit.ly/ScsMHU ).

Mariko Haugen, of Folsom, tells News10 (http://on.news10.net/TYY61W ) she was swimming with her husband off Maui, Hawaii, over the weekend when she encountered a tiger shark.

She says her martial arts training prepared her and she punched it twice.

Haugen was not bitten but did require stitches for some scratches.