Mates Lindsy Isaac, Kurt Gillan and Shayden Schrader faced shark to help their friend
THREE boys who braved a tiger shark to get their badly mauled mate back to the beach nominated for a Pride of Australia award.
THREE teenage surfers who braved a 3m tiger shark to paddle their badly mauled mate back to the beach have been nominated for a Pride of Australia bravery award.
Zac Young was attacked by the shark as he surfed with his mates off a Riecks Point surf break, Campbells Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, in November.
As Zac screamed for help friends Lindsy Isaac, 14, Kurt Gillan, 18, and Shayden Schrader, 15 did not hesitate. They paddled straight to him.
"It was just so quick. We rushed towards him and Kurt Gillan brought him in while I paddled as quick as I could to shore to get help," Lindsy said. "It's the scariest thing I've ever done."
But the boys stuck with their mate and pushed through the fear that there was a 3m tiger shark underneath them.
Channel 10 reporter Ellie Southwood nominated the boys for an Outstanding Bravery Medal.
"They were so far out, the paddle in took 15 minutes. The whole time, they knew a shark was lurking," she said.
Once the boys got Zac to shore they gave him CPR and tried to stem the blood from his badly mauled legs but he died on the beach. His last words were: "I love you guys."
"Understandably, the flashbacks have been difficult to cope with for all the boys," said Ellie, who also noted the attack gained international media attention.
"In the face of media attention they showed dignity. And in the face of fear they showed bravery," she said.
"These three young guys didn't run,'' said Zac's father Kevin Young at his memorial service. "I want you to know these three guys."
Zac was a committed Christian who worked for Youth For Christ at Port Macquarie. Regional director Daryl Carter said: "I really support this nomination."
The Pride of Australia Awards are open for nominations. Go to prideofaustralia.com.au
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