Man mauled by shark at Port Nuarlunga, SA, identified

Witnesses say they heard “blood-curdling screams” when a swimmer was mauled by a shark at a popular swimming spot.

A swimmer who was mauled by a shark at a popular South Australian beach has been identified, with witnesses sharing their accounts of the terrifying incident.

It is believed Richard Vinall was taking his regular morning swim at Port Nuarlunga on Thursday morning when he was bitten on the leg.

Witnesses reported hearing “blood-curdling screams” when they were diving underwater, as reported by 9News.

They said they heard a woman, presumed to be Mr Vinall’s partner, screaming.

Richard Vinall from Hackham was bitten by a shark at Port Noarlunga. Picture: Facebook

Police confirmed Mr Vinall was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Mr Vinall is currently being treated for injuries to his thigh.

Swimmers were evacuated from the water and police urged others to avoid the popular beach, which is about 40 minutes south of Adelaide.

Mr Vinall’s incident follows a string of shark attacks in South Australia in under two years, some of which have proven fatal.

Swimmers were evacuated from the water at Port Noarlunga Beach after the incident. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Bridgette O’Shannessy, 32 was diving with her partner, when she was mauled in the head and face by a Great White shark at Port Noarlunga lin November 2023.

Ms O’Shannessy made a miracle recovery two months later.

Surfer Lance Appleby, 28, was sadly killed by a shark in January at Granites Beach in the Eyre Peninsula.

Teenager Khai Cowley, 15, lost his life in an attack last December while surfing at Ethel Beach in the Yorke Peninsula.

In October, Tod Gendle was also killed when surfing near Streaky Bay, suspected to be killed by a 4m great white shark.

A 46-year-old teacher, Simon Baccanello, also lost his life in a tragic attack while surfing near the Eyre Peninsula in October last year.

Originally published as Man mauled by shark at Port Nuarlunga, SA, identified