Great white shark reportedly bit off the arm of a swimmer off the coast of Western Australia on Thursday. The victim was surfing at Wylie Bay in Esperance when he was suddenly attacked by what is strongly believed to be a four-meter or thirteen-foot great white shark, according to the statement made by Esperance Shire President Malcolm Heasman.
Another surfer was able to get the victim safely to shore and brought him to a nearby parking lot where an off-duty ambulance officer was able to help them. According to Heasman, the ambulance officer gave the victim first aid as they waited for help to arrive at the scene.
Unfortunately for the victim who had a near-death experience with the great white shark, he lost one arm from below the elbow. Plus, apart from the loss of a limb, he also had to suffer some extensive injuries on his other arm. According to Heasman, he most likely used his other arm as he tried to fend off the great white shark. Plus, he also had some lacerations on his legs.
Sadly, the victim was only a visitor to the area. It was his first time to surf on Wylie Bay. It looks like he will not be returning anytime soon, if ever at all. He is now reportedly in stable medical condition and was flown to a hospital in Perth for further treatment.
Heasman said that the police had retrieved the surfboard of the victim. Plus, he also noted that it was heavily covered with bite marks.
Due to this recent great white shark incident, neighboring beaches were closed. Donna Cola, the spokesperson of the state fisheries department, noted that their officials are now trying to locate and catch the great white shark that tore off the victim's arm.
This is actually the second attack, which is suspected to have been made by a great white shark, in Esperance in a year. Last October, a man was critically injured after being attacked by a suspected great white shark while diving for abalone off Poison Creek.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
