Shark Bites Off Surfer’s Fingers In Australia

A 29-year-old man is a few fingers short after encountering a shark off the coast of Port Macquarie, Australia.

Radio New Zealand reports that a bull shark was involved in the attack. Nearby beaches were shut down as a precaution.

Adam Clarke, who witnessed the attack, told CBS:

“He was just out there. There was a heap of dolphins like there has been around here, swimming around him. And all of a sudden, the shark has just come up and took about three chunks out of him. And then he just got his board, and actually put the nose of his board into the bull shark’s head.”

The 29-year-old surfer was able to escape with his life but suffered serious injuries to his legs and lost two fingers during the attack.

The victim’s fellow surfers were able to get the man to shore and provide some basic medical help before paramedics arrived. The surfers, who made a tourniquet out of their surfboard leg ropes in order to stop the bleeding, were commended for their efforts.

Ian Spencer, one of the first responders, said:

“All his friends did a marvelous job. His fellow surfers and his friends here on the beach, they really did save his life until we got here. They did well.”

The man was airlifted to a nearby hospital. He is currently in stable condition.

Here’s a video about the attack from ITN News.