A 29-year-old surfer has survived a great white shark attack in waters off Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide, describing the ordeal as being like “hit by a truck”. The man was surfing at the remote D’Estrees Bay on Sunday when he was attacked.
In a handwritten letter recounting the incident, he said he was sitting on his board when he felt a blow to his left side. The shark bit him around his back, buttock and elbow, and also took a chunk out of his board. He caught a glimpse of the shark as it released him and disappeared.
Despite suffering serious lacerations to his back, buttocks and legs, as well as minor injuries to his arm, the surfer managed to paddle back to shore. He then walked approximately 300 metres to seek help, a feat that paramedics described as remarkable.
Paramedic Michael Rushby told local newspaper The Advertiser that the extent of the man’s injuries was “catastrophic” and that it was “quite remarkable” he was able to swim to shore and then walk for assistance. He added that the surfer was very lucky to have done so, noting that shark attacks in the area remain rare.
The surfer expressed belief that he would make a full recovery. D’Estrees Bay beach has been closed, and members of the public have been asked to avoid the area while authorities investigate.
