Brazilian surfer Vinicius Cavalcanti, 31, was bitten yesterday by a blacknose shark, also known as a lemon shark while surfing in Cacimba do Padre, Fernando de Noronha, where the first QS 19 of the season will begin on the 6000th with 144 competitors from about 15 countries, reported today the Brazilian website Waves.

The animal bit his forehead, neck and ear, causing deep wounds. His wife took him to São Lucas Hospital, where he received several stitches and was discharged around 20:00 p.m.

According to witnesses and specialists, Cavalcanti ended a wave and fell on top of the shark that was feeding at the time, it was approximately five in the afternoon.

Due to the proximity of the event, a meeting was called with the authorities and organizers to guarantee the safety of the international athletes.

On February 5, the Chico Mendes Biodiversity Institute had warned of possible shark attacks in Noronha, as the remains of a whale were found on a beach in the archipelago.

The first 6000-point competition of the year, the Hang Loose Pro Contest, begins its waiting period on February 19 and ends on the 24th.