A female swimmer has been bitten by a shark off the north coast of Western Australia, marking the second such incident in the Exmouth area within days. The attack occurred near Kurrajong Campground in Exmouth, approximately 14 hours north of Perth, at 10.15am on Saturday.
Details of the Shark Bite Incident
The woman sustained minor injuries in the encounter. According to officials from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the species of shark remains unknown, but it is believed to have been around 1.5 metres in length. Authorities have issued a public warning, urging people to exercise caution in the area and adhere to any beach closures that may be implemented.
Public Safety Measures and Reporting
In response to the incident, the public is strongly advised to report any shark sightings directly to the Water Police. This proactive measure aims to enhance safety and prevent further attacks by monitoring shark activity along the coastline.
Recent Shark Attack in the Same Region
This latest bite follows a separate shark attack just days earlier, involving electrician Dave Daniell. He was attacked by a 3-metre-long great white shark while foil boarding off a nearby Exmouth beach. Daniell described the terrifying moment when the shark bit his board after he fell into the water near Graveyards and Hunters beach.
"I managed to get my leg out of the way as it bit down... I clung to the board as it took a bite and then I managed to try get back up to my feet again," Daniell told the West Australian. "It all happened pretty quick, and as I was getting to my feet again, it nudged the actual foil, the mast itself, and it actually knocked me back in, on top of the shark."
History of Shark Encounters at Kurrajong Campground
Kurrajong Campground, located within Cape Range National Park, is a popular campsite nestled between sand dunes. This location has a history of shark incidents, including a May 2023 attack on 11-year-old Tasmanian tourist Archie Rose. While snorkelling, Rose was bitten on the leg by what was described as a "decent shark" and required airlifting to Perth for multiple surgeries.
The recurrence of shark bites in this area underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols when swimming or engaging in water activities in Western Australia's coastal regions.
