13ft shark leaves man in hospital after vicious attack on popular Australian beach
The species of the shark is currently unknown
GETTY IMAGES
A man has been bitten by a 13ft shark at a popular beauty spot in Australia, just days after locals were warned of increased danger.
Emergency services rushed to Fourteen Mile Beach Camp, 1200km north of Perth and the man was shortly rushed to hospital.
The man was mauled by an unknown species of shark near Coral Bay, on Western Australia’s northwest coast, just before 11am local time on Monday.
A local official has confirmed that the man is in a stable condition.
The species of the shark is currently unknownGETTY IMAGESPrior to the attack, Parks and Wildlife officers found a whale carcass floating offshore, prompting authorities to issue a shark warning.
“It is possible the carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close into shore along this stretch of coast,” a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) spokesperson said.
“DPIRD is working with local authorities and further information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The department also warned swimmers near the beach to “take additional caution” when near the coast and to “be aware of any signage and beach closures”.
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Nearby to the popular beach is the world famous Ningaloo Marine Park and Reef - known for its whale sharks and hundreds of species of fish.
Last month, a Pirates of the Caribbean star died after he was attacked by a shark off Oahu in Hawaii.
Tamayo Perry, 49, was surfing at Malaekahana beach on the Hawaiian island when he died on June 23.
Emergency services arrived at the scene at approximately 1.00pm local time after being alerted by a caller who reported a man suffering from shark bites. A jetski was used to retrieve his body from the ocean.
The attack took place on a beach in Western Australia, 1200km north of Perth
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Perry was branded “a lifeguard loved by all” by acting Honolulu Ocean Safety chief Kurt Lager.
He added: “He's well known on the North Shore. He's a professional surfer known worldwide.
“Tamayo's personality was infectious and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more,” Lager signed off, according to Sky News.
Last year, there were just 69 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide, 10 of which were fatal.
Florida topped the charts of any global region for unprovoked incidents, coming in with 16 cases - though none of them were fatal.
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