A long-distance swimmer is recovering after a rare shark bite early Tuesday morning during an open water swim from Santa Catalina Island to the Southern California mainland.

The victim, identified only as a man in his 50s, was bitten in the Catalina Channel, a crossing of 20 miles at the shortest two points between the island and mainland coast. The victim suffered minor cuts, injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to fire officials.

Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

A LAFD vessel met the crew of a follow-boat that had been monitoring the swim at about 1:30 a.m. in the middle of the Catalina Channel. The shark, which authorities said was described as a 3- to 4-foot white shark, nipped at the man's leg and was not seen again by

See Full Page