Aussie man mauled by shark just metres away from son

A man’s arm was almost severed when he was attacked by a shark while spearfishing off Port Hedland in Western Australia.

Robbie Peck, 38, was hauling in his final catch of the day on Friday morning when he was mauled by what is believed to be a bull shark.

Mr Peck’s four-year-old son was just metres away on their vessel.

It’s believed the avid spearfisherman was bitten three times by the shark – on his shoulder, elbow and hand.

His quick-thinking friends used a weight belt as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding, while Mr Peck managed to make a call to his wife.

“The sinking feeling in your gut...all the blood drained from my face,” Emily Peck told 7News.

“You expect the worst when you hear the words shark attack.”

Mrs Peck said the shark “surprised” her husband and “got his arm”.

“Our four year old… he said his dad’s so brave. I think the boys on the boat kept him pretty clear of the trauma.

“He’s excited to come to Perth and go to the Lego shop.”

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Mr Peck was rushed back to shore where he was transferred to an ambulance and rushed to Hedland Health Campus under priority one conditions.

A Royal Flying Doctor Service spokeswoman said Mr Peck had sustained multiple injuries and his left arm had "nearly been severed”.

Mr Peck was flown to Perth on Friday afternoon for emergency treatment.

WA's fisheries department is working with local authorities and urged people to take additional precautions in the Port Hedland area.

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