The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has identified a wobbegong shark as responsible for an attack at Gerroa on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A 24-year-old Sydney man sustained non life-threatening injuries to his arm and leg when a shark bit him during a surf lesson about 12.25pm.
The victim was reportedly in waist-deep water with a group of about 40 people at the time of the attack.
He reportedly felt his leg shake from the bite to his calf muscle.
A Kiama surf lifesaving spokesman told Fairfax fellow surfers administered first aid on the beach and carried the patient down the bush track, where he was met by paramedics.
He was treated for three puncture injuries to his calf before being airlifted to St Georges Hospital in Sydney in a stable condition.
A Kiama Surf Lifesaving spokesman said the beach would remain closed until at least Sunday.
“The water quality’s pretty good at the moment, I think the surfer was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.
“The surfers on scene treated him really well, they administered first aid properly.
“We will make an assessment at midday tomorrow to see if we open Seven Mile Beach again.
“For those who want to swim at the beach, Werri Beach will be open as normal, patrolled by volunteers.”
Police remain on scene interviewing an eyewitness.
Beachgoers are urged to follow safety advice by visiting the Department of Primary Industry’s website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/sharks and the SharkSmart app.
Sign up to our newsletters
