Spearfisher identified after arm nearly torn off in shark attack

The four-year-old son of a man who nearly lost his arm in a violent shark attack was just metres away on the family’s fishing boat at the time.

A spearfisher who nearly had his arm torn off in a horror shark attack off Western Australia’s Pilbara coast was just metres away from his four-year-old son at the time.

Father-of-three Robbie Peck was bitten moments after spearing a fish, The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said.

His brother-in-law was able to pull him back on to the fishing boat, where Mr Peck’s young son was also on board.

Two ambulance crews were called to the Richardson’s Boat Ramp in Port Hedland about 11.30am following reports of the attack. Mr Peck suffered serious injuries and his left arm was almost severed at the shoulder.

Two ambulances were called after Mr Peck was attacked.

Mr Peck was taken to shore by boat after he was bitten by the shark while spearfishing.

Mr Peck’s wife Emily told 7 News she had a “sinking feeling” when she got the call to say her husband had been attacked by what he believes was a bull shark.

“I swear all of the blood just drained from my face,” she said.

“It’s not a phone call you ever want to get. You expect the worst straight away when you hear shark attack.”

Mrs Peck said their four-year-old son, who was on board the boat during the attack, thought his dad was “so brave”, and was excited to go to the Lego shop in Perth, where his dad has been flown for treatment.

Two ambulance crews rushed to treat the man. Picture: ABC

Mr Peck, who is aged in his 30s, was then taken to Hedland Health Campus as a priority 1 patient.

He was then flown to Perth, where he was expected to be rushed in for emergency surgery.

The incident occurred at Richardson’s Boat Ramp in Port Hedland. Picture: ABC

The boat ramp is a popular launching point for fishermen, boat watchers and families.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is currently investigating the incident.

In another tragic twist to the story, Mr Peck had listed his boat for sale just weeks ago, sharing an ad to a facebook group for local spearfishers.

DPIRD Fisheries officers are currently involved in assisting with a shark incident near Port Hedland See more: https://t.co/Lg1SfjiRWs

— Surf Life Saving WA (@SLSWA) October 7, 2022

Authorities are warning beachgoers to be on alert after the incident.