11yo boy bitten by shark while snorkelling near Exmouth, WA

An 11-year-old boy has been flown to Perth Children’s Hospital after being attacked by shark while snorkelling.

An 11-year-old boy has been bitten by a shark near Exmouth in Western Australia.

The boy is believed to have been attacked while snorkelling in waters near the Kurrajong Campground in Cape Range National Park about 3pm Saturday afternoon.

He was first taken to Exmouth Hospital and then flown to Perth Children’s Hospital by the Royal Flying Doctor Service on Saturday night, local media reported.

It is understood he has serious but non-life threatening injuries.

7 News reported the boy was taken to shore by boat where onlookers provided first aid before paramedics arrived.

A boy has been taken to hospital after being bitten by a shark. Picture: 7 News

Beaches in the area have been closed. Picture: 7 News

Parks and Wildlife Service officers closed the beaches between Pilgramunna and Bloodwood Creek in the national park due to a “shark incident”.

“A snorkeller received injuries after being bitten by a reported unknown species of shark,” the government’s SharkSmart alert stated.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said it was working with local authorities to co-ordinate responses.

People in the area were urged to take care, adhere to the beach closures and report shark sightings to the Water Police on 9442 8600.