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Shark WARNING following incident at Lefthanders Surfing Spot near Gracetown
16 April 2018Fisheries officers are currently investigating a second reported shark incident today, this time at Lefthanders Surfing Spot near Gracetown.
Situation:
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has received reports that a surfer has received injuries after being bitten by a shark at about 2.30pm this afternoon.
What to do:
- Beach closures are in place for the Gracetown area between North Point and Ellenbrook.
- Take immediate action to leave the water when beach closures are in place.
- Take additional caution in the Gracetown area.
- Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
- If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
Vital information to note:
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) advises water users, between Kilcarnup and North Point, to stay out of the water until the beach and water closures in the area have been lifted.
In the interests of public safety, following this morning’s incident, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) officers have issued a Section 44 closure notice for the area which means beaches, and waters up to two kilometres out to sea cannot be used by divers, surfers and swimmers.
Officers patrolling waters and beaches today have advised that up to 10 surfers at various breaks chose to ignore the closure signage, verbal warnings, and advice issued through SharkSmart and SLSWA Twitter, and remained in the water.
While DBCA and DPIRD Officers will continue to patrol tomorrow, they are reminding the public closures like those in place at present must be followed for safety reasons, and surfers and swimmers should stay out of the water.
What authorities are doing:
Officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and local government rangers are on the scene and conducting beach and on-water patrols.
A Fisheries vessel will be on the water monitoring the area over the next two days and the Surf Life Saving WA Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will also conduct aerial patrols.
Officers have collected the surfboard for Fisheries scientists from DPIRD to inspect.
Extra information:
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.
Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.