Great white shark confirmed in Geraldton surfer attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 10:02 · Archive

A 3-metre great white shark attacked surfer Mel Ismail at Glenfield Beach, Geraldton, on 14 September, causing him to lose his lower right leg.

Authorities have confirmed that a 3-metre great white shark attacked surfer Mel Ismail at Glenfield Beach, near Geraldton, on 14 September. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development made the identification after testing Ismail's wetsuit and surfboard. A DPIRD spokesperson said research scientists had 'examined evidence from the recent shark incident at Glenfield Beach in the City of Greater Geraldton and determined a white shark, estimated at approximately three metres, was involved'.

Ismail, a career firefighter, was attacked while surfing alone. He lost part of his lower right leg and was brought to shore by bystanders who provided first aid. He was treated at Geraldton Health Campus, where he was among the first patients to use the facility's new intensive care ward, and is now recovering at home.

Ismail told the ABC he had noticed a pod of about twenty dolphins before the attack. He described the moment of contact: 'I got to a point where I saw its eye … a big black eye. But it's winking back at me — I was trying to get my fingers in its eye and just pushing its eye as I was being dragged.'

How it is being reported

• Great white shark attacked surfer Mel Ismail at Geraldton’s Glenfield Beach, DPIRD analysis confirmsIt comes a month after Geraldton surfer Mel Ismail lost his lower right leg after being mauled by a shark.Perth Now · 13 Oct, 09:48
• Great white shark attacked surfer Mel Ismail at Geraldton’s Glenfield Beach, DPIRD analysis confirmsA month after Geraldton surfer Mel Ismail lost his lower right leg after being mauled by a shark, authorities have confirmed the size and species of the apex predator that attacked him.The West Australian · 13 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Mel Ismail · Glenfield Beach · Geraldton · Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

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