Shark attack: WA authorities close Margaret River beaches after a surfer was bitten on the leg
- Surfer in his early twenties taken to the hospital
- Bystanders claimed he was “damn lucky.”
- Local beaches are closed until further notice
Several popular beaches in Western Australia have been closed after a surfer was bitten on the leg by a shark.
The attack took place on Gnarabup Beach near the Margaret River region surf spot Boat Ramp shortly before 9am on Monday.
The surfer in his early 20s managed to swim to shore, where he received first aid from an off-duty nurse on a deep cut on his leg following the attack by a shark suspected to be a great white shark.
He was later taken to Margaret River Hospital and has since been taken by ambulance to Bunbury where he is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
A shocked onlooker told the Western Australian that the surfer was ‘damned lucky it wasn’t worse’ and that he appeared ‘calm’ after reaching shore and seeking help at a nearby cafe.
The terrifying ordeal took place near Gnarabup Beach (pictured) in WA’s Margaret River region
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said it was ‘working with local authorities and further information will be provided as it becomes available’.
Swimmers in the Gnarabup and Prevelly areas have been advised to ‘take extra care’.
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has closed all beaches from Gas Bay to Margaret River Mouth until further notice.
“To ensure the safety of our community, please do not enter the water during this time,” read a warning on the website.
‘The DPIRD is currently coordinating responses with local authorities.”
It’s clear the surfer was bitten by a suspected great white shark (stock image)