Orcutt resident Francisco Javier Solorio Jr., 39, was fatally wounded in a shark attack yesterday morning while surfing at Surf Beach in Lompoc — the same area where UCSB chemical engineering student Lucas Ransom ,19, was killed two years ago by a great white shark.

The Santa Barbara Sherriff’s Dispatch Center received an emergency call at 10:58 a.m., after the victim’s friend caught sight of the attack while surfing and pulled the victim out of the water to administer first aid. Solorio suffered injuries to the upper torso and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after Vandenberg Air Force Base Fire Department personnel arrived.

The VAFBFD was the first to arrive at the scene and immediately took over emergency aid efforts, but was unable to resuscitate Solorio. The Santa Barbara County’s Sheriff’s office has since taken full control of the scene.

According to Vandenberg Air Force Base Staff Sergeant Erica Picariello, the shark species responsible for the fatal attack has yet to be identified.

Vandenberg Air Force Base officials have warned the public to maintain a safe distance to the shore at Surf Beach as a result of the incident.

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