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Teen mauled by shark admits he got too close

Dramatic go-pro footage has been released of the moment Sam Smith was attacked by a Bronze Whaler shark when he was spearfishing.

The 17-year-old was bitten on the hand admits he got too close and says the shark would probably left him alone if he hadn’t of gone so close.

7News exclusively aired the footage Sam recorded as the terrifying incident happened at Mollymook.

He told 7News: "I was in it’s path and it moved around me and I poked away at it to keep it heading off and that’s when it turned."

The shark, thought to be a Bronze Whaler, bit Sam’s right hand as he was trying to fend it off with his other hand.

This is the moment Sam Smith was mauled by a shark at Mollymook. Photo: 7News
This is the moment Sam Smith was mauled by a shark at Mollymook. Photo: 7News

Sam told 7News: "It's built to kill fish and stuff seals and stuff could've ripped my whole arm off if it wanted to.

"It was just saying getaway; it probably didn’t like me getting to close to it."


The teenager called out to his friend for help and he quickly swam to shore to get help.

He was airlifted to Sydney for surgery and is expected to get full use of his hand back once he is recovered.

Sam’s mum Sue Smith told 7News: "It could have bitten higher, it could have severed an artery."

His dad Craig added: "I think he got off quite lightly really, it could have been a whole lot worse."

Sam's parents said his injuries could have been much worse after his close encounter, he is expected to make a full recovery. Photo: 7News
Sam's parents said his injuries could have been much worse after his close encounter, he is expected to make a full recovery. Photo: 7News

Numerous shark sightings have forced the closure of popular beaches to the north and south of Sydney in the last week.

Sam's friend Luke Sisinno said : 'It started coming for him, so he stabbed it with his spear to try to scare it off, and then it just went ballistic and bit him.'

Lifeguards closed Narrawallee Beach and North Mollymook, after the incident happened around midday on Friday.

Emergency services arrive to treat the injured teen near Mollymook. Photo: 7News
Emergency services arrive to treat the injured teen near Mollymook. Photo: 7News

An ambulance spokesperson told Yahoo7 that the teen suffered multiple lacerations to his hands and fingers.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

An ambulance helicopter was sent, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter conducted sweeps of the area.

“Our lifeguards are monitoring the situation and will take further action if required to protect beachgoers,” the Australian Lifeguard Service's Brent Manieri said in a statement.