Surfer has been rushed to hospital after being mauled by a shark on a popular beach in Western Australia
- Surfer Max Marsden attacked by shark
- He was surfing at Lucy’s Beach, south of Geraldton
- Shark presumably a bronze whaler 1.5 meters long
A prominent surfer has had surgery overnight after being attacked by a shark while surfing at a popular beach in Western Australia.
Renowned competitive surfer Max Marsden was surfing with a friend at about 7:35am on Sunday morning at Lucy’s Beach, about 12 miles south of Geraldton, when he was attacked.
The shark, believed to be a five-foot-long bronze whaler, clung to the surfer’s arm.
Marsden’s friend, standing on the bank, helped him out of the water and administered first aid.
Emergency services then helped take Mr Marsden from the remote beach through rough terrain to a waiting ambulance.
Renowned competitive surfer Max Marsden (right) was surfing with a friend at a popular surf spot in Western Australia when he was attacked by a five-foot shark
Marsden was rushed to hospital in a stable condition and underwent surgery on Sunday afternoon for non-life-threatening injuries to his arm.
Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn praised Marsden’s friend for assisting Marsden and providing first aid.
“He was properly stabilized right on shore by his friend, which is just fantastic to hear,” Van Styn said.
“First aid is an essential skill that everyone should learn, especially when surfing in remote places.”
Mr Marsden arrived at hospital in ‘good spirits’ and has since been released to recover from his surgery at home.
Lucy’s Beach is popular with fishermen and surfers for its cliffs, platforms, reefs and ‘narrow surf zone’.
The beach is also known for its dangerous rips and is not a favorite swimming spot for beachgoers.
The shark, believed to be a five-foot bronze whaler (pictured), clung to Mr Marsden’s arm
Mr Marsden was surfing with a friend on Sunday morning at Lucy’s Beach (pictured), about 12 miles south of Geraldton, when he was attacked
Local authorities have closed the beach and it is currently unknown when it will reopen.
Attacks by bronze whalers are rare, with the last reported incident involving the species over two years ago in Perth.
10-year-old Jackson Bartlett was spearfishing with his father off Five Finger Reef in June 2021 when he was bitten on the leg by a seven-foot bronze whale shark.
The 10-year-old was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Perth, where surgeons worked on his leg.