INJURED – 20 December 2009 – Lamont Reef, Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia – snorkeller attacked

A 19-year-old snorkeller, (name nor released), was bitten on the arm by a shark while diving at Lamont Reef off Heron Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

The incident happened around 7.45am on Sunday 20 December 2009.

A brief report noted he was taken to shore by dinghy and flown to Rockhampton Base Hospital and from there he was flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where he was reported in stable condition.

There was no report of the extent of his wounds or what type of shark was responsible for the attack.

Sources:
News.com

UPDATE – 21 December 2009

The victim’s name is John Pengelly. His left hand and lower forearm were badly injured including severed tendons, arteries and bone damage. He lost a lot of blood and needed a transfusion during transport Rockhampton Base Hospital to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

The shark was thought to be a 3-metre bull shark.

Source:
Brisbane Times

PIC source:
CDNN

FATAL – 18 December 2009 – 2nd Beach, Port St Johns, Transkei, South Africa – lifeguard attacked

A 22-year-old lifeguard (name withheld) was attacked and killed by a shark while on his paddle board in murky waters off 2nd Beach, Port St Johns, East Coast, South Africa.

A National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson said he was seen lifting his hands in the air before being pulled off his paddle board. Other witnesses on the beach said he was then mauled to death by the shark as the sea turned red around him. No remains have been found.

The incident occurred around midday on Friday 18 December 2009.

Not other details were reported at the time of this blog.

Sources:
Daily Dispatch
Sunday Times

INJURED – 13 December 2009 – Evans Heads, NSW, Australia – surfer attacked

Nigel Hughes, 39, was bitten on the left foot by a shark while surfing at Evans Heads, NSW, Australia. The incident took place on Sunday 13 December 2009.

He told media: “I got on a wave and was paddling to catch it when it hit me like a baseball bat to the foot.

“I was able to catch a wave in and looked back to see if my foot was still there - luckily, it was.”

He managed to limp up the beach with his left toe half hanging off. Friends wrapped the wound in a towel and took him to Lismore Base Hospital where he underwent surgery.

He said doctors told him his foot was quite mangled but they managed to sew it up.

“It was only my second surf of the holiday, so I wasn't happy,” he quipped.

Sources:
News.com