Dramatic footage shows the moment an injured surfer is rescued after being bitten by a shark.
The 37-year-old was left bloodied and battered after the attack off the coast of Southern California on Saturday afternoon.
The man was rescued by a Good Samaritan on a boat who called the emergency services.
His leg was bleeding profusely and so a tourniquet was placed on the injury to stem the blood loss.
A Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to the scene and the injured man was winched to safety.
The man is now recovering in hospital following the attack near Santa Rosa Island.
A video posted on Twitter shows the moment the bite victim, who was wearing a wetsuit, was lifted to safety.
He was taken to Santa Barbara Airport where he was met by paramedics who transported him to hospital.
In a statement Coast Guard Lt. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble said: "This was the best possible outcome to a truly terrifying situation.
"This individual was fortunate to be with a buddy who was able to communicate their position to the Coast Guard.
"We are all happy that he will be able to be with his family in time for the holidays."
It is not known what type of shark attacked him.
