A scuba diver was rushed to the hospital after being attacked by a nearly 7-foot shark while spearfishing off the coast of Australia.
The frightening encounter happened at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, in Adventure Bay, along the southeastern coast of Tasmania, according to Tasmania Police.
The 31-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was diving with two other people about 165 feet from shore when he was bitten by what authorities believe was a broadnose sevengill shark measuring roughly 6.5 feet long.
The shark reportedly struck the diver on his lower forearm, leaving him with injuries that police described as non-life-threatening.
Emergency crews transported the man by helicopter to Royal Hobart Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
A witness told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the diver had been spearfishing and was retrieving a fish when the shark attacked.
“It was a pretty good bite without being anything serious … just a good, dog-sized bite, maybe the top of his arm,” the witness said.
Police said the incident appears to have been isolated. However, swimmers and divers in the area are being urged to remain alert and follow all local water safety recommendations.
Broadnose sevengill sharks are commonly found in temperate coastal waters and bays, often at depths of up to 150 feet, according to the Shark Research Institute.
The species can grow to nearly 10 feet long and gets its name from the seven gill slits along each side of its body. Most shark species have only five.
Although sevengill sharks are not among the most widely recognized shark species, they can become aggressive when provoked and are classified as dangerous in both Australia and New Zealand.
Authorities have not reported any additional shark activity in the area following the attack.
I will not go in the water. Given the rise in shark attacks, I am surprised that people still risk it for a wave or a fish. I think being eviscerated by a huge fish is about the last way I would want to go!