Shark grabs surfer in Brazil

A surfer died yesterday after a shark bit him in the leg in waters off northeastern Brazil. Humberto Pessoa Batista, 27, was with about 30 other surfers some 15m from a beach in the city of Olinda.

Surfing has traditionally been banned in the area, which is known for large numbers of sharks. Authorities lifted the restriction this year because few sharks had been seen.

Batista's death was the 18th since 1992 caused by sharks in the area.