INJURED - Eyre Peninsula shark attack update - 4 September 2005

Jake Heron, 40, was surfing off South Australia's Eyre Peninsula with long-time friend Craig Materna when he was attacked just 10 metres from the shore by a four-metre Great White shark. The shark bit him on the right arm and thigh.

The attack took place at Fishery Bay around 3pm (local time) Sunday 4 September.

Heron’s two children, a six-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy, witnessed the attack from the shore.

Heron gave the shark a couple of solid punches before it let him go and it seems this may have saved his life.

Materna, who was riding a surfboard nearby at the time of the attack told the media he heard his friend scream and paddled straight to him.

"He was freaking out, yelling for help," Mr Materna said.
"No one saw the shark come up to him - it knocked him off the board.
"It pulled him under because the leg rope was attached to him. He kicked and punched the shark, I think in the gill."

The shark also took a bite out of Heron’s surfboard splitting it in two before returning to continue the attack on him.

Heron managed to get out of the water and struggle to his car where he called for help. He was taken to Port Lincoln Hospital where he had 20 stitches in his arm and 40 stitches in his thigh.

Materna said: "Jake was lucky - the shark had a few goes at him."
"He got a shock. He realises he's lucky to be alive.

• Source: The Age