A surfer has reportedly lost both of his arms after being bitten by a shark off the coast of Western Australia on Thursday
Two sharks – including a 4.5m long white pointer shark believed to have attacked a surfer, tearing off a hand and a forearm – on Western Australia’s south coast have been captured and put down tonight.
Sean Pollard, 23, suffered serious injuries after he was attacked by the shark at the unpatrolled Wylie Bay Beach, east of Esperance, about 11am (WST) today.
The Bunbury man’s girlfriend was watching from the beach when he was attacked by the shark, believed to be between 3-4.5m long, a Department of Fisheries spokeswoman said.
Two drumlines were deployed after the attack and a shark was caught within an hour, Department of Fisheries shark response unit manager Lisa Clack said.
A second shark was caught and killed later tonight in the same region.
Mr Pollard was taken to the nearby Esperance Hospital before being airlifted to Perth Hospital.
Mr Pollard is reportedly awake and was speaking to paramedics as they wheeled him into hospital.
A police escort rushed blood to Jandakot Airport for transport to Esperance Hospital, for a blood transfusion.
The shark took one of Mr Pollard’s hands and amputated his other arm from the elbow down.
He also suffered serious leg injuries during the search.
Esperance Shire President Malcolm Heasman said he did not know if Mr Pollard was holidaying in the area or had recently moved there.
He said the man’s family had been notified and authorities were trying to retrieve his surfboard.
The South Bunbury Football Club posted a message of support for Mr Pollard.
“Thoughts are with Polly and his family from everyone at South Bunbury Football Club,” the club posted.
“We are with you all the way mate.”
source: 9news.com.au
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