A swimmer was attacked by a 5-foot tiger shark on Wednesday afternoon while at the popular Sandtrax surf spot in Port Beach, near Perth. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was swimming approximately 40 meters from the jetty when the shark reportedly bumped him multiple times before he was rescued by a nearby boat.
The attack took place in waters known for shark activity, and after the swimmer was pulled to safety, the shark continued to circle the boat. Fortunately, the swimmer’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was taken to shore for medical treatment. Although an ambulance was not called to the scene, the man later sought medical attention for surgery.
17-year-old Cooper Black, who was aboard the boat that assisted in the rescue, recounted the events. “We saw a guy swimming a bit further out, and he waved at us. But then he started signaling for help,” Black told Perth Now. “We quickly pulled up the anchor and went to his aid, bringing him back to shore.”
This incident adds to a growing list of shark attacks in Western and Southern Australia. Earlier this month, 37-year-old Steven Payne tragically lost his life when he was attacked by a shark while surfing at Wharton Beach, Esperance. A drone video captured the aftermath of the attack, showing blood in the water, with only Payne’s surfboard, marked with bite marks, recovered.
Despite the risks, local residents have grown accustomed to shark encounters. “You swim in the ocean every day; it’s part of the marine life,” Black remarked after the latest attack.
Authorities continue to monitor shark activity in the region, urging beachgoers to remain vigilant as shark encounters remain a part of life in Western Australia’s coastal communities.