Shar Attack Near Adelaide

Today, there was a shark attack in Wirrina Cove, Normanville, located south of Adelaide.

The victim was a 24 year old spearfisher. He sustained injuries to his left leg and hand. He is reported as using his left hand to punch and fend off the shark, believed to be a bronze whaler shark. A large school of bronze whalers was observed in the vicinity, soon after the attack. There has also been a large school of salmon observed in the area, which may be attracting the sharks.

There have been several shark sightings in the last month, but people have appeared to not be discouraged from swimming and fishing in the area.

Even today, following a near fatal attack, people were not intimidated enough to prevent them from continuing their activities on and in the water.

The attack happened at approximately 10.30am.The majority of shark attacks, statistically, happen between 9am and 6pm, due to people generally following advice not to swim at night, dawn or dusk.

The victim was quickly taken to Flinder's Medical Centre for surgery and treatment, following immediate treatment by an off-duty paramedic.

Bronze whaler sharks (Carcharhinus Brachyurus) are found around the world, as well as the southern coast of Australia, from Coffs Harbour, to Jurien Bay in Western Australia. Also known as Copper sharks, they are known to feed mostly on salmon, but will also feed on squid and bottom-dwelling fish. These massive fish can grow to between 3 and 4 metres, and weigh anything in the region of 250kg.

To avoid being attacked by sharks, the advice is -

• avoid swimming in low light conditions
• avoid swimming where people are fishing
• avoid swimming when bleeding
• avoid swimming alone
• avoid swimming if there have been recent shark sightings in the area
• avoid swimming too far from shore
• avoid wearing clothing that is shiny or brightly contrasting

If you are ever in the unfortunate situation of finding yourself being attacked by a shark, and have presence of mind to do it, you are advised to jab and poke the shark's eyes and gills. Even if this distracts the shark for mere seconds, it could be the difference between you seeing your loved ones again, or being your attacker's next tasty meal.

The last fatal shark attack off the coast of Adelaide was in 2004. 18 year old Nick Peterson had been with friends, close to West Beach, when he was sadly attacked and killed.