Western Australia is a sharky-as-hell stretch of coastline.
Over the years, surfers have had sightings, encounters, and even a handful of attacks.
The most recent one happened Monday at a surf spot in Margaret River – where the Championship Tour heads every year – and the victim is in stable condition.
Per a report from 9NEWS:
“A surfer has saved his own life after being attacked by a great white shark off popular Gnarabup Beach in the southwest,” reports the newscaster.
“He paddled 600 meters to shore, bleeding heavily, before he was helped by a nurse on the sand, then rushed to hospital, driven there by shocked onlookers.”
A correspondent on the scene followed with this account:
“Calm after a close call with a shark. Holding tightly to the pain-releaving green whistle, a young surfer sits upright on a stretcher, alert and alive after being attacked by a great white.”
Footage was captured showing the moment the shark launched from the water and attacked the surfer; his board goes flying as he was bitten on his leg.
“What followed was a terrifying race to shore,” the correspondent continues. “The young surfer paddling 600 meters to safety. Witnesses say he lost a lot of blood, but praised his bravery.”
“15 minutes after the attack, the shark was spotted again. Surf Life Saving WA issuing this report…”
Which read:
“Public report white shark sighted 09:06hrs 24/07, Gnarabup Beach, Prevelly”
As mentioned previously, this area of Western Australia is notorious for its shark activity.
The correspondent continued:
“It’s the seventh shark attack in WA waters this year, including one fatal mauling.”
The surfer in this incident is expected to be okay. He’s currently in hospital, as the reporters claim, in “seemingly good spirits,” “stable condition,” and with a “new scar.”
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