Surfer’s incredible act after shark attack in WA

Despite losing significant amounts of blood from his injuries, the surfer made the terrifying journey to shore.

A surfer who was attacked by a great white managed to save his own life by swimming 600m to shore.

The victim, aged in his 20s, was attacked by the shark at Gnarabup Beach in WA’s Margaret River region at around 8.45am on Monday.

Despite bleeing heavily after being bitten on his left leg, he swam 600m to shore.

Shocking footage taken from the shore captured the moment the shark attacked, showing violent splashing and a surfboard flying into the air.

The man, believed to be his 20s, was bitten on the left leg. Picture: 9 News

A bystander caught splashing in the water as the shark attacked. Picture: 9 News

Witnesses told 9News they saw the man losing “a lot of blood” as he “saved his own life”, while a nurse gave him first aid on the shore before he was taken to hospital by emergency services.

WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is currently investigating the attack.

It appears a surfboard can be seen sailing into the air. Picture: 9 News

The injured victim paddled 600m to the shore at Gnarabup Beach, which was closed later that day. Picture: 9 News

DPIRD urged beachgoers to “take additional caution” when in the Gnarabup and Prevelly area.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River said on Monday that all beaches from Gas Bay to Margaret River Mouth Beach would be closed until further notice due to the incident.

“To ensure the safety of our community, please do not enter the water during this time,” the council’s statement read.

Monday’s incident marks WA’s seventh attack this year.

Originally published as Surfer’s incredible act after shark attack in WA