Source : Perth Now news
A man who was attacked by a shark received potentially lifesaving assistance from a group of teens who had been surfing nearby.
Mel Ismail had been surfing alone at about 9.50am on Monday when he was attacked at Glenfield Beach in Geraldton, 430km north of Perth.
The shark, yet to be formally identified by authorities as any particular species, took a huge chunk out of his board.
Another surfer saw blood in the water and rushed to his aid.
After Mr Ismail was pulled to shore, a group of teens ran over to assist, helping to tourniquet his leg with a ripcord from a surfboard, according to 9News.
The off-duty firefighter suffered serious leg injuries in the attack and his surfboard and wetsuit have been taken for analysis so authorities can accurately describe what kind of shark he was attacked by.
Mr Ismail remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services deputy commissioner Melissa Pexton said support was being provided to Mr Ismail and his family.
“Our thoughts are with him, his family and DFES colleagues,” she said.
“I would like to thank the first responders who went to his aid.”
In response to the incident, the City of Greater Geraldton has closed a large segment of Glenfield Beach.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said in an alert it was working with local authorities to co-ordinate a response.
Beachgoers have been urged to take extra caution around Glenfield Beach and follow any closures issued by local authorities or Surf Life Saving WA.
Opposition fisheries spokeswoman Kirrilee Warr said the community needed confidence that shark mitigation measures were adequately funded and effective.
She said fewer than 300 sharks were tagged under the state’s monitoring program and renewed calls for a review of the system.
“Our thoughts are with the victim, their family and the first responders involved in this incident. At this stage, little is known and we are seeking further updates from authorities and the minister in relation to the incident,” Ms Warr said.
