Man bitten by shark at Ballina
A man is in a critical condition after being bitten by a shark while body boarding on the New South Wales north coast today.
The 32-year-old local was body boarding with two friends at Lighthouse beach in East Ballina just after 10am, when he was bitten by a four-metre great white shark.
The man who suffered significant injuries to his lower legs, was assisted to the shore by his friends who contacted emergency services.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics and is being airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital.
Local lifesavers are conducting patrols of the area.
Light House Beach, and all beaches within Ballina Shire, are closed for the next 24 hours.
Police will be liaising with Surf Lifesaving, Ballina Shire Council and Department of Primary Industries regarding the incident.
Lighthouse Beach was the scene of the shark attack that claimed the life of 16-year-old Peter Edmonds back in 2008.
The attack also comes just months after Japanese surfer Tadashi Nakahara, 41, was attacked and killed by a great white shark at the nearby Shelly Beach.
Ambos report 25yo bitten on legs by shark at Lighthouse Beach, Ballina. Scene of 2008 fatal attack. More info when we land @7NewsBrisbane
— Katrina Blowers (@katrinablowers) July 2, 2015
More details to come.
