Surfer Faces ‘Extremely Rare and Isolated’ Encounter With Bronze Whaler Shark at a Popular Spot

Shark attacks are a menace even professional surfers are not immune from. Surfers might be the kings of the water on the ocean’s surface. However, underneath, the sharks rule it all. And when these worlds collide, it is not a stretch to imagine that the mighty shark will easily lord over the puny humans.

The Australian professional surfer, Max Marsden, suffered a similar fate when he had an unfortunate encounter with a 1.5 meters long shark. The vis-a-vis ended with the competitive surfer getting the painful gift of a shark bite and the terrifying yet majestic shark with the taste of blood in its mouth.

A professional’s surfing expedition ends in a painful surprise

The Australian surfer Max Marsden was surfing at a secluded beach called Lucy’s Beach, which is in Greenough, near Geraldton when the terrifying event took place. Marsden was not alone; he was surfing with a companion when he was confronted with a 1.5-meter-long Bronze Whaler shark, and the shark proceeded to bite on the pro surfer’s arm.

After the incident, emergency services were called. They responded and reached the site of the accident which can only be accessed with a four-wheel drive. He was transferred to an ambulance and taken to the hospital. His injuries were declared to be non-life-threatening, but he had to undergo a surgical procedure for the same. The surfer has been declared stable after the procedure.

Read more: “He Was Gushing Blood Like Crazy”: Shocking Great White Shark Attack on a Surfer, Left Joe Rogan Terrified Once

According to ABC News, the mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton, Shane Van Styn, commented on the incident and expressed fear that the incident could be worse than what entailed in reality. Styn said, “We are just grateful that by all accounts, the injuries haven’t been too significant in this instance.” The mayor also revealed that it is rare for shark attacks to be heard of in the region, and said that the attack was an “extremely rare and isolated event.”

The shark attack was an odd event

Styn shed further light on the event, and said, “In Geraldton, this is the first shark attack in quite some time.” Styn also commented that the area is so isolated that monitoring for shark attacks would be next to impossible. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) also confirmed that the organization had received a report of a shark attack on Lucy’s Beach at around 7:15 a.m.

The mayor added, “It is an extremely rare and isolated event and city staff have temporarily closed the beach for the time being, but it is unlikely to trigger any further actions.”  Lucy’s Beach has never been the safest for water sports, to begin with, but still remains popular. While the spot is famous among fishermen and surfers, swimmers tend to stay away due to the dangerous rips. Even for surfers, it is not extremely safe, as it is surrounded by craggy rocks and there is a very narrow surf zone. And now, there is an added jeopardy of sharks.

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