A teenage surfer has suffered lacerations to his right thigh after being attacked by a shark at east Ballina’s Lighthouse beach on the New South Wales north coast.
Lifesavers treated the surfer, named by News Corp as 17-year-old Ballina resident Cooper Allen, at the scene at 9am on Monday before he was rushed to Lismore base hospital, a NSW ambulance spokeswoman said.
A Westpac Lifesaver helicopter was called but it wasn’t needed to take the man to hospital.
The ABC reported Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards on jet-skis chased the shark away from the shore after the attack. Richmond police inspector Nicole Bruce told the ABC a great white had been seen further off shore but it was not known whether it was responsible as no witnesses saw the shark during the attack.
Surf Life Saving NSW said all Ballina shire beaches were closed until further notice after the incident.
All Ballina Shire beaches are closed after a shark attack at Lighthouse Beach. Please stay away from the area until further notice. pic.twitter.com/GtEurkpEGm
— Surf Life Saving NSW (@slsnsw) September 25, 2016
NSW Ambulance are on scene, responding to reports of a shark attack at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina @tennewsqld
— Jayde Cotic (@JaydeCotic) September 25, 2016
At Lighthouse Beach for a swim and instead, saw a shark attack... hope the surfer is ok. #Ballina pic.twitter.com/opGXCiMgob
— Helen Cameron (@helenlovesfood) September 26, 2016
The ABC reported lifeguards were working to control the bleeding until paramedics arrived.
The incident comes weeks after the Department of Primary Industries said it had “discontinued” the Eco Shark Barrier project off Lighthouse beach after issues emerged with sand movement and swells.
In November last year another surfer, Sam Morgan, was attacked at the same beach by what the Department of Primary Industries believed was a bull shark about 2.8m to 3.1m long.
In February last year surfer Tadashi Nakahara, 41, died after losing both legs in a shark attack at Shelly beach, a popular tourist spot in Ballina. He was given first aid but died at the scene.
Surf Life Saving NSW said on Monday: “A NSW Department of Primary Industries helicopter has been diverted to the area for aerial surveillance, while the Ballina lifeguard jet-ski is currently conducting roving patrols on the water as are other surf lifesaving assets.
“The species of shark involved in the incident is not yet known and DPI scientists will investigate further.”
A hospital spokeswoman said the teenager would only need a few stitches.
