Bunker Bay man bitten by 4m white shark

A surfer in his 20s is recovering in hospital after surviving an attack by a great white shark which ‘took a few chunks out of his leg’ south of Perth.

Phil Mummert. Source: Mish Wright/Facebook

A surfer has survived a great white shark attack south of Perth.

Phil Mummert, 28, was recovering in hospital on Friday night after the shark bit his surfboard into pieces and “took a few chunks out of his leg”. Western Australia’s fisheries authority described the white shark as four metres.

Mr Mummert’s partner Mish Wright acknowledged other surfers who paddled to help him.

Phil Mummert’s eaten board. Source: Mish Wright/Facebook

Rescue staff attending to Phil Mummert Source: Mish Wright/Facebook

“Just want to let everyone know that Phil is doing okay! He was bitten by a shark at Bunker Bay this afternoon and got a few chunks taken out of his leg,” Ms Wright posted on social media.

“I honestly don’t know how a person can see a total stranger getting attacked by a 4m great white shark and swim TOWARDS to save him so we are beyond grateful to everyone that helped save Phil’s life.

“So lucky that Phil got away with his life and limbs and beyond lucky that we live in such a kind and caring community.

“So thankful for everyone who carried him to shore and for the ones that held his leg together for half an hour while waiting for the ambulance.”

DPIRD Fisheries officers are investigating a shark incident at Bunker Bay. See more: https://t.co/jTzapCGsSo

— Surf Life Saving WA (@SLSWA) July 31, 2020

St John of God ambulance crews were called to the scene at Bunker Bay, 260km south of Perth, shortly after 2pm AWST (4pm AEST) on Friday after reports a man had been bitten on the leg by a 4m white shark. Mr Mummert was at a popular surf sport called The Farm close to Cape Naturaliste, known for mid to large westerly swells.

Two ambulance crews tended to Mr Mummert while the RAC Rescue Helicopter made its way to the scene.