Surfer drives himself to hospital after being mauled by a ‘great white shark’

09 January 2024 , 10:58

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A picture of the man's surfboard shows chunks were bitten out of it during the attack (Image: NINE)

A surfer managed to escape the clutches of a shark, swim ashore and drive to hospital after the predator mauled him.

The 64-year-old man refused the services of an ambulance and made his own way to hospital after the shark, thought to be a great white, attacked him off the coast of Blackspoint, near Elliston, Australia.

Somehow, he is now in a stable condition, authorities said today, but will remain in hospital for some time. The surfer was about 200 metres off the shore when the shark pounced. A picture of his surfboard shows chunks were bitten out of it during the attack.

Surfing website Beach Grit claimed the victim was "bitten between the a** and leg by a Great White". The website added: "He paddled in but refused an ambulance, reflecting the chaotic nature of a Great White hit and the difference just a few millimetres can make."

The attack comes just a week after 15-year-old Khai Cowley died when his leg was bitten off at Ethel Beach in the Innes National Park, on the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia. The young surf champ was visiting the break with his dad when he was bitten by the great white before he was pulled from the water by a local.

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The 64-year-old was about 200 metres off the shore at at Blackspoint, near Elliston, when he was attacked (Nine)

Khai's aunt, Lauryn Barley wrote on a GoFundMe campaign set up for the family. He was reportedly 30 to 40 metres offshore when he was mauled by the shark with his father nearby. The appeal to raise funds for the family in the wake of the tragedy raised more than $15,000 within hours.

"Our beloved Khai was suddenly taken from us by a white pointer while surfing at Ethel Wreck off the coast of Yorke Penisula," she posted. "I’m here to try to help raise funds for my sister, Kate and brother, Tim to cover the cost of the funeral service." A family friend posted: "Life can change in a second and we are never prepared.#

"Our friend's son and grandson Khai died yesterday in a shark attack which has not only rocked a family but a whole community. As a community, we come together and this is one way we can support this family right now. Thank you for your kindness."

Bradley Jolly