Sydney, Australia: An experienced diver is lucky to be alive after he was mauled by a large shark in a remote area near the Great Barrier Reef, Australian paramedics said Sunday.
The 55-year-old was diving with friends about 60 nautical miles east of Murray Island in the Torres Strait on Saturday when he was attacked by the four-metre (13-feet) bull shark.
"He has severe bites to his left arm and some minor lacerations across his stomach," Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic David Cameron told AFP.
The man was taken by boat to Murray Island, three hours from the dive site, where he was treated by a nurse.
He was in a stable condition on Sunday and due to undergo microsurgery, Cameron said.
"There are several different types of sharks out near Murray Island, but the bull shark can be quite aggressive, so he is very, very lucky," he added.
Although sharks are known to inhabit the area -- which is popular for crayfishing and free diving -- attacks were uncommon, the paramedic said.
Experts say shark attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular and bait fish move closer to shore, but fatalities remain rare.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The 55-year-old was diving with friends about 60 nautical miles east of Murray Island in the Torres Strait on Saturday when he was attacked by the four-metre (13-feet) bull shark.
"He has severe bites to his left arm and some minor lacerations across his stomach," Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic David Cameron told AFP.
He was in a stable condition on Sunday and due to undergo microsurgery, Cameron said.
Advertisement
Although sharks are known to inhabit the area -- which is popular for crayfishing and free diving -- attacks were uncommon, the paramedic said.
Advertisement
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Great Barrier Reef Faces Hottest Ocean Temperatures in 400 Years, Threatening Coral Survival Tamayo Perry, 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Actor, Killed In Shark Attack Australian Man Fights Off Great White Shark After It Latches Onto Son's Leg Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP CSAB 2024 Supernumerary Round Counselling Registration Begins Today Telangana Women's Commission Orders Probe Into KTR's Remarks What Is The Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid's Origin? Scientists Have An Answer Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.