Shark attack horror sees spear fisherman mauled by rampaging predator

03 November 2023 , 10:11

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A spear fisherman has been attacked by a shark (file image) (Image: Getty Images)

A fisherman has been attacked by a shark in a horror attack off the coast of Australia.

It happened at about 2pm local time today when the victim was spearfishing in waters off Peak Island, about 50km from Exmouth, along the North West Cape. It's understood he had an encounter with a lemon shark, during which he suffered minor injuries. A spokesperson for the police said the man was taken for treatment at Exmouth Hospital, where he's in a stable condition.

The attack prompted the state's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to issue a shark alert warning for the Peak Island area. Those in the area are advised to adhere to beach closures. Anyone who spots a shark in WA is urged to report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

It comes after a surfer in South Carolina spoke of the harrowing moment a suspected shark suddenly attacked his face. Mark Summerset, 38, was suddenly attacked in a rapid assault by a sea creature on September 12. He says he can still feel pain face in his face where the beast sunk its teeth into his flesh.

"I felt this pressure on my face," he told NBC News. "It felt like a bear trap. I think he just ripped down a little bit. But sharks have five rows of teeth, so he tore me up pretty bad, and he let go.”

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Mark was surfing in the early morning the day the attack occurred and jumped off his board. He said he saw a sea creature under the waves that then bit his face, but he wasn't sure what it was at the time. He was left with a two-inch cut on his right cheek and was taken to Advent Health hospital in New Smyrna Beach, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Helicopter footage from the area after the attack on Mike showed sharks swimming in the water.

Bradley Jolly