Police have suspended the search for a man who was attacked by a shark while surfing at the Kelp Beds surf break in Wylie Bay near Esperance on the south coast from Western Australia, but plans to pick it up again at first light on Saturday
WA police say a surfboard with « clear signs of shark attack » washed up near the scene, but the man was not found
« The chances of survival are obviously pretty slim considering some of the testimony provided to us, » said Master Sergeant Justin Tarasinki.
The search operation to find the man was suspended on Friday afternoon and authorities said it would start again in the early morning light on Saturday morning
The search and rescue mission has been underway since a witness reported the attack to emergency services just before 11:00 a.m.
The attack follows a shark sighting at around 10:45 am, but the report does not specify which species of shark was spotted
Senior Sergeant Tarasinki said that at the time of the attack between six and eight surfers were in the water with more witnesses on the beach
Speaking at a Friday afternoon press conference, AW Premier Mark McGowan said the missing man was in the water with other surfers
Video posted from the area shows surf lifeguards and a jet ski heading for the beach
Authorities have warned people to be extra careful in the area and to stay informed through the SharkSmart website
This is the same area where 17-year-old Laeticia Brouwer died after being bitten by a white shark in 2017
In 2014, 23-year-old surfer Sean Pollard was also attacked by a shark at the beach, losing his arm and other hand
In January of this year, diver Gary Johnson was killed on Cull Island off the coast of Esperance
Senior Sergeant Tarasinki did not disclose the name of the missing internet user while his family was still informed, but said the man was a well-known local « prominent » in the city
He said the family were devastated by the attack and the police were working hard to provide them with some sort of closure
Master Sergeant Tarasinki said it would be difficult for the community to take responsibility for another tragedy
ABC reporter Emily Smith was at the scene for several hours and said that although her vision was limited because the beach had been closed, she could see rescue jet skis in the water
She said the kelp beds, known as « Kelpies », are a popular surf spot and can only be accessed by car from an entry point
« All the surfers just drive and park their cars in a long line and it looks like there are still around 10 cars there, » Ms Smith said
« People started arriving at the beach after hearing about a possible shark attack, worried if their loved one is a victim
« It’s so terrible for this community, everyone is quite worried about shark attacks all the time
Shire of Esperance chairman Ian Mickel said he and the community at large were devastated by the attack
« I think most people feel very, very sad and extremely disappointed that we had another shark attack in this area, » he said
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AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Shark attack, Western Australia, Esperance, Sharks, Wylie Bay
News from the world – AU – Family ‘devastated’ after prominent local man attacked by a shark while surfing
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
