A former Tannum Sands nipper was praised by his old club after trying to rescue WA shark attack victim Paul Millachip
A former Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving Club nipper has been praised for his involvement in the dramatic evacuation of a beach in Western Australia after a fatal shark attack.
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A former Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving Club nipper has been praised for his involvement in evacuating a beach and the rescue efforts of a Western Australian shark attack victim.
Paul Millachip, 57, lost his life on Saturday while swimming at Perth’s Port Beach, just 50 metres from shore after a run with his wife.
Witnesses saw Mr Millachip as he was attacked by a large shark at the popular Perth beach about 10am.
Acting Inspector Troy Douglas of the Fremantle District Office said all that had been found since the attack was a pair of goggles believed to have been Mr Millachip’s.
Instrumental in the rescue efforts of Mr Millachip was former Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving Club nipper, Hayden Sharpe.
Hayden is understood to have been one of four teenagers police say were on a dinghy just metres from the attack.
The teenagers called emergency services and rushed to warn other swimmers in the area to get out of the water.
“The boys were in a dinghy nearby. They witnessed the attack and … provided police with information on what they saw and heard,” Mr Douglas said.
“I think it’s a fantastic effort. It was probably something you don’t want to see.”
TSSLC president Mark Bryant said Hayden and his family were long term members of the Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving club up until recently when they moved to Perth for a work opportunity for Hayden’s father (Stafford).
“When they left the club Hayden’s father and two older sisters (Maddy and Dayna) were active Bronze Medallion patrol members and Hayden was an active SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate) Patrol member,” he said.
“Hayden’s mum (Cherri) was not a patrolling member but had undertaken numerous support roles within the club.”
Mr Bryant said Hayden, like many before him, had been a Nipper where through his Surf Sports and interactions with senior members learnt all the basic skills and values required to execute our Surf Life Saving mission.
“Prevent people from getting into danger on our beaches and if that isn’t possible provide rescue, resuscitation and care until medical professionals can take over (if required),” he said.
“Hayden and his friends in their dinghy I’m sure wouldn’t have felt brave.
“However they did act in a manner the rest of us can only hope that we would act if faced with a similar situation.
“Hayden and his friend demonstrated the values that Surf Lifesaving hold dear.
“That is they, unable to safely do anything for the swimmer, protected all others in the water by warning them of the danger and encouraging all to get out of the water.”
Mr Bryant said TSSLSC was very proud of the actions Hayden and his friend took and of Hayden showing maturity to obviously surrounded himself with friends of real character.
“We are also proud in that in some small way our club community has helped his parents and family to shape a young man that under pressure was prepared to undertake the courageous act Hayden and his friends took,” he said.
Mr Sharpe’s family has been contacted for comment.
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