08/25/2023 Toby Begg Port Macquarie NSW Australia

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NSW shark attack: man in critical condition after being bitten at Port Macquarie beach

A man is in a critical condition after a shark attack on Friday morning in Port Macquarie.

He sustained injuries to his upper and lower leg after being bitten by a shark at Lighthouse beach at 10am in northern New South Wales.

The beach remains closed until further notice, as Surf Life Saving NSW drones determine the size and species of the shark involved.

The man, who is in his 40s, has been transported to Port Macquarie base hospital. A NSW Health spokesperson said he remains in a critical condition.

Port Macquarie Hastings surf life saving lifeguards said “we hope and pray for a good outcome for the victim involved”.

Lighthouse Beach is unpatrolled at this time of year, with regular surf lifesaving patrols due to start in a few weeks’ time for the school holidays.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council has 15 smart drumlines deployed along the region’s coast, with two drones and a listening station also deployed to detect the tagged sharks.

A number of great white sharks have been tagged and released in the area recently, including a 2.28-metre shark at nearby Shelly Beach on Tuesday and a 2.96-metre shark at North Shore Beach on Saturday.

Lighthouse Beach has been closed following the incident and is expected to remain off-limits for another 24 hours, according to local lifeguards who said a drone had been sent up to find the shark and determine its size and species.

https://www.theguardian.com/