Margaret River Pro surf comp canned after shark attack

The Margaret River Pro surfing tournament has been cancelled due to the “elevated risk” posed by sharks after twin attacks.

The Margaret River Pro surfing tournament has been cancelled due to the “elevated risk” posed by sharks after twin attacks on Monday, in a massive blow to Western Australia’s tourism reputation and the local economy.

The rest of the event, which was due to run until April 22, was called off this morning and its future remains unclear.

The Margaret River Pro attracts tens of thousands of spectators and millions of international viewers, and is sponsored by the WA government as a way of promoting the state’s beaches and attracting tourists.

In a statement, the World Surf League said it had decided to cancel the remainder of the event “as a result of exceptional circumstances surrounding this season’s event regarding sharks and the safety of our surfers”.

“This decision has been reached after many hours of consultation with a variety of stakeholders and experts,” said WSL chief executive Sophie Goldschmidt.

“The WSL puts the highest premium on safety. This cannot be just talk, and it cannot be compromised.

“Surfing is a sport that carries various forms of risk, and is unique in that wild animals inhabit our performance environment. Sharks are an occasional reality of WSL competitions, and of surfing in general.

“Everyone associated with our sport knows that. There have been incidents in the past -- and it’s possible that there will be incidents in the future -- which did not (and will not) result in the cancellation of an event.

“However, current circumstances are very unusual and troubling, and we have decided that the elevated risk during this season’s Margaret River Pro has crossed the threshold for what is acceptable.

“We are painfully aware that this decision will have commercial ramifications for the local community, and will disappoint some of our partners, fans and athletes. We sincerely regret that.

The tournament was rocked by the attacks on 37-year-old surfer Alejandro Travaglini and 41-year-old Jason Longrass at separate beaches in Gracetown, about 6km away from the main event site.

Alex Travaglini recovers in Royal Perth Hospital after surgeons successfully saved his legs.

Mr Travaglini, who remains in Royal Perth Hospital, had been working as a crew member at the Margaret River Pro.

Brazilian pro surfer Gabriel Medina, the 2014 world champion, told his 6 million followers on Instagram that he did not feel safe in the water around Margaret River.

“Leaving my opinion before it’s too late,” he said.

Another Brazilian, joint World Surf League ratings leader Italo Ferreira, also took to social media to voice his concerns.

“Two shark attacks in less than 24 hours here in Australia, just a few kilometres from where the event is being held,” the Brazilian surfer title his 200,000 followers on Instagram.

“Very dangerous, don’t you think? Is the safety of athletes not priority? We’ve had multiple alerts.”

“I don’t feel comfortable training and competing in places like this.”

Hawaiian star John John Florence also had a close encounter with two sharks while surfing off WA in the lead-up to the Margaret River Pro.

Ms Goldschmidt defended the WSL’s decision to cancel the Pro.

“Margaret River is a special venue, with incredible partners. It has produced many memorable moments over the years, and at the moment we have no plans not to return in the future.

“We appreciate that not everyone will agree with this decision, but hope that they will respect it.

“Athlete safety will always be our absolute priority and we thank the local community, our partners and our surfers for supporting the decision.