San Diego Duo Awarded Carnegie Medal for Daring Rescue During Great White Shark Attack in Del Mar

Two San Diego County residents, Kevin Barrett and Cameron Whiting, have been selected to receive the prestigious Carnegie Medal following their courageous actions during a harrowing shark attack off the coast of Del Mar. The incident, which occurred on June 2, saw the pair aiding 46-year-old Caleb Adams, who had sustained severe injuries from a nine-foot great white shark while participating in an open-water swim with a group. According to FOX 5 San Diego, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission considers their act one as displaying conspicuous courage, as the two men swam into bloodied waters without hesitation to assist Adams.

Barrett, identified as a 51-year-old financial advisor, and Whiting, a 31-year-old real estate company VP, were recognized for their selfless response when they heard Adams and another individual's cries for help. Pulling Adams onto his chest, Barrett started backstroking to shore with Whiting and a surfer who provided his surfboard to carry the injured man, NBC San Diego reported. They swiftly assisted Adams onto a lifeguard truck once reaching land, where he was taken to a hospital, subsequently recovering after a three-day stay.

The Carnegie Medal is North America’s top civilian award for heroism and has honored 10,458 individuals since it was established in 1904. This September, the Carnegie Hero Fund named 18 recipients, including Barrett and Whiting, for their heroic efforts. The award comes with a financial grant, and the Fund’s announcement marks the third group of recipients for 2024.