Bystanders rush to help teens after horror shark attack at Victorian beach

Two teenagers had a lucky escape after being attacked by a shark at a busy Victorian beach.

Two “shaken” teens were rushed to hospital after being attacked by a shark at a popular Victorian beach on Monday evening.

The incident occurred at around 7.20pm at Ocean Grove beach on the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong, a favourite among local families.

Local man Peter Hobbs was at the beach with his family when the attack took place, and was among a group of bystanders who helped the injured teens.

He later took to Facebook to describe the incident.

Bystanders rushed to help the girls. Picture: Facebook/Peter Hobbs

“Tonight we went for a leisurely paddle at Ocean Grove beach and while we were in the water a couple of teenagers near us got attacked by a shark,” Mr Hobbs posted.

“We could see them splashing but didn’t know what was happening. We didn’t see the shark, just the splash, but we heard the cries and our family mobilised.”

Mr Hobbs wrote that his son James, who he described as a “legend”, paddled out to help while a stranger also helped the girl and her friend to shore.

He explained that his wife Di was a former trauma emergency nurse and so was able to assist the injured teens, while his daughter Ella brought in their boards and he called triple-0.

“Some strangers helped carry them in and ran off to get the first aid kit,” Mr Hobbs continued.

The beach is popular with families.

“We all moved up the grassed area by the showers.

The ambos didn’t take long to arrive but in the mean time Di had all the volunteer helpers organised and the poor lady’s leg compressed bandage and ready for the paramedics.

“The teens were obviously shocked but taken to hospital.”

The teens, a boy and a girl, were taken to Geelong Hospital and are reportedly in a stable condition.

Reports indicate the shark was located within 500 metres of the beach when the attack took place, and a “Dangerous Animal” alert was issued by VicEmergency as a result, with locals urged to: “Stay informed and do not enter the water at closed beaches”.

The beach remains closed today, with authorities on high alert.

“If you see the shark report the sighting by calling triple-0 (000) or notify lifesavers immediately if you are at a patrolled beach,” the alert reads.

“Always swim, dive or surf with a friend.

“Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.

“Don’t swim in places where human or animal waste enters the water.

A “Dangerous Animal” alert was issued.

“Keep away from large schools of fish, seals or other wildlife as these can attract sharks.”

State MP for Lara John Eren has commented on the attack, taking to Twitter to wish the girls well.

Unfortunately there has been a #SharkAttack in Ocean Grove late this afternoon. Hope they’re okay. 😔

— John Eren MP YNWA (@johnerenmp) December 6, 2021

The Hobs family appeared on Today this morning, where they were praised as “humble heroes”.

Mrs Hobbs also provided some details on the teens’ injuries.

“Well, initially we were able to tourniquet her leg. She had a large bite mark to her right lower leg, below (the) knee and one to her right hand as well and the man had one to his back as well, lower back,” she said this morning.

"They started yelling out that they'd been bitten by a shark... I was just in disbelief".

A family in Victoria are this morning being hailed as heroes - after saving the lives of two teenagers who were attacked by a shark near Geelong. #9Todaypic.twitter.com/pvalA0dpqG

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) December 6, 2021

Mr Hobbs also praised the efforts of fellow bystanders, including some off-duty lifesavers.

“Everyone was like a team. I think this is a huge example of where the community just rallies around and just does it,” he said.

“They just went into another gear. Everyone was really calm.

“We were able to stem the blood flow just through the use of towels. The ambulance didn’t take very long to get here too which was really fantastic.”