Surfer Joe Hoffman bitten by great white shark at Crescent Head

The man mauled by a three-metre shark on the Mid North Coast has been identified as ‘passionate’ surfer Joe Hoffman.

The man mauled by a three-metre great white shark in a horrific accident on the NSW Mid-North Coast has been identified as a passionate surfer from the Sunshine Coast.

Tributes have started to flow for surfer Joe Hoffman, who was rushed to hospital around 4.25pm on Monday after being attacked by a shark while he was paddling in waters off Crescent Head.

The shark bit Hoffman on the arm, leaving him with a severe laceration to his bicep and a two-foot bite mark on his board.

Sunshine Coast surfer Joe Hoffman is recovering in hospital after he was mauled by a great white off Crescent Head. Photo: Facebook

Joe Hoffman was taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for treatment. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Incredibly, Hoffman managed to paddle his way to shore before six local surfers carried him to a nearby park and fastened a makeshift tourniquet around his arm with the leg rope from his board to stop the bleeding.

When paramedics arrived on scene, he was stabilised before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

One of the local surfers who helped carry Joe ashore, Josh Shorrick, said he was incredibly brave despite the pain.

Shark attack victim Joe Hoffman is in a serious condition in John Hunter Hospital. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Paramedics treated Hoffman after the attack on Monday. Picture: Facebook

“We carried him to the BBQ area where ambos could reach him. Six of us helped,” he said. “I hope he’s going to be alright.”

His friend Mitchell Rae took to social media to pay tribute to his friend, saying “My hopes and prayers going out for young Joe... I’m feeling quite numb as I’ve known Joe since he was a baby and his parents are in shock.”

One of his friends, who did not wish to be named, described him as “passionate about surfing” and a “champion” who had travelled from the Sunshine Coast to surf with friends.

It’s understod Mr Hoffman’s family are from the Sunshine Coast and plan to travel to NSW in on Tuesday morning.

Mid-North Coast Police District Inspector Martin Burke said paramedics did a good job to contain the loss of blood, considering the seriousness of the man’s injury.

The man’s surf board. Picture: Facebook

NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew Beverley praised the work of bystanders who assisted.

“Much praise must be given to bystanders who helped the man from the water and provided that crucial initial first aid, ” he said.

“It was a significant bite and the man suffered serious injuries to his arm as a result. He was stabilised on scene and then flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.”

“It might be cold at the moment but it‘s important to always be aware of your surrounding in the water, even in winter.”

A NSW Department of Primary Industry (DPI) spokeswoman said that after analysing images of the bite, DPI scientists confirmed it was a three-metre great white.

“NSW DPI shark scientists have analysed photographs of the bite and determined a white shark of approximately three metres in length is likely responsible for the bite.”

An earlier NSW Police statement said officers from Mid-North Coast Police District will liaise with the Department of Primary Industry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The beach has been closed by Surf Life Saving NSW,’’ the statement said.

The Department of Primary industries SharkSmart program tweeted that the attack occurred near Killick Creek.

Both Killick and Crescent Head beaches were closed.

People are urged to follow safety advice from Surf Life Saving NSW and by visiting the Department of Primary Industry’s website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/sharks and the SharkSmart app.