Boy, 10, attacked by shark while snorkelling at popular tourist spot
A 10-year-old boy has been attacked by a shark while snorkelling in a popular tourist spot in WA.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) were alerted to the shark bite at 11.14am on Friday (local time) just south of Coral Bay, about 1200km north of Perth.
DPIRD told Yahoo News Australia the boy received injuries to his foot after he was bitten by a two-metre bronze whaler shark about 75 metres offshore at Five Finger Reef.
The boy is receiving treatment for his injuries at the Coral Bay Nursing Post.
DPIRD said the beach would be closed at Five Finger Reef for 24 hours.
People are also urged to take extra caution in the Coral Bay area and are advised to adhere to beach closures.
The department is currently working with local authorities and travelling to the scene of the incident with officers from Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Spearfisherman attacked at same spot
In late March, a spearfisherman was bitten on the leg by a two-metre shark near Coral Bay. He managed to get away after punching it.
Nick Hardie, who was snorkelling nearby, told Nine News a boat carrying the man and his friends came to him for urgent help.
“The guy was laying flat in the floor of the boat,” he said.
“And had a bit of blood on the boat.”
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He told the ABC he dragged the man from the boat onto the jetty with tea towels wrapped around his leg.
“The bleeding had stopped but there was a bit of blood all over the boat,” he told the ABC.
Locals are urged to stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA's Twitter.
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