Top Student Survives Shark

National Sea Rescue Institute’s Craig Lambinon said that Reddering, who turns 20 in a month, was "stabilised at Plettenberg Bay Medi-Clinic and transferred by ER24 ambulance to Life Care Knysna Private Hospital where he may need surgery but it appeared the bites missed major organs and arteries”.

Reddering, a Plett local who matriculated from St Andrews College in 2013, was rescued by fellow surfers. He had suffered lacerations on the right side of his body, ribs, buttocks and leg, caused by what is suspected to be a 2-3 metre White Shark.

Lambinon said in a statement that the NSRI was called out at 5.10pm and a sea rescue craft, rescue swimmers, medics and ambulances were dispatched to the beach.

"The bite marks were deep and NSRI medics and Baycare paramedics initiated medical treatment, although Dylan remained calm and in good spirits and he was in a fairly stable condition," Lambinon said.

He was transported to hospital for further treatment, and received medical care enroute.

"Once in hospital, medical staff continued with treatment and it appears that the bites missed major organs and missed major arteries. The patient required sutures," Lambinon said.

Interestingly, Dylan is the son of veteran NSRI Plettenberg Bay volunteer crewman Marty Reddering. "The species of shark has not been determined although it is suspected to be a 2 to 3 metre White Shark. White sharks are common to the area," Lambinon said.

Caution has been urged by bathers and surfers in the area particularly with the start of the winter holidays. The public have been advised to stay out of the water until further notice.

Reddering, who turns 20 on July 28, was a popular resident of Plettenberg. When he was in matric at St Andrews in Grahamstown in 2013, he was selected - with 19 other high achieving scholars with exceptional leadership potential - to represent South Africa at the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington in June of that year. He had been nominated for his 'unique and creative mind'.

Several fundraising projects were conceived in Plett to raise the R50,000 he needed to cover his expenses, including an event at the White House that attracted a lot of interest in the close-knit community.

His Facebook wall:

At least you'll have a badass scar - hoping you have a speedy recovery man! See you soon. X

Hey dood. Thinking of you. Speedy recovery.

Hey bro, you better get better soon so you can tell me what it was like. Gonna be out there ripping waves for you today bud.

Hey Dyl, hope all is well this morning, lots of love xx

Dylan man, this is why we skate bowl. I wish you aIl the best and a speedy recovery, much love x

Thinking of you Dyl! Sending loads of love & healing! X

Happy to see you still have all your bits and pieces. Even happier to conclude that you taste like Shit. Get well soon cuz.

Sending you lots of love from this side! Get better soon Dyl ! X

Hope you get better soon man x

DYL. My gahd. Give us a heart attack like this ??? the Angels are watching over you though - thank goodness - sending all my love and get-better-soonas feels ??????

Glad that you're okay mate! Crisis...wishing you a speedy recovery.xx