Bodyboarder bitten by shark in Australia

A 38-year-old bodyborder has been bitten by a shark in Australia.

Dale Carr was surfing with his friend Shane De Roiste 400 yards off Lighthouse beach in Port Macquarie, New South Wales at 5:00pm when he was bitten on the left thigh and buttock.

Carr punched the shark several times before finally jabbing his finger into its eye.  He said the shark may be “missing its left eye and has a sore nose” on a Facebook post.  After jamming it’s eye, the shark left and Carr was left struggling in the water. Thankfully, his friend De Roiste was already swimming towards him to assist.

Photo:Dale Carr
Photo: Dale Carr

De Roiste was able to help his friend back onto the bodyboard and the two paddled 200 meters (219 yards) back to shore. Once they were back on the beach, De Roiste asked beachgoers to call rescue personal while he used shoelaces to tie up Carr’s wound.

Carr lost a total of 2.5 liters (2.6 quarts) of blood and stopped breathing twice.

A staff member from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has been sent to identify the type of shark, which is thought to be 13 feet in length.

Mr. Carr also commented on the culling debate.

He said: “Don’t lose sight of human nature people. The strong urge to help someone who needs it whether they are trapped in a car, house fire, held against their will and calling out for help. That’s the real story.”

“Not the culling, not those who think I should be culled for being there in the first place.”

“My thoughts are with those who knowingly risked their lives for those who have suffered an injury like mine or worse in recent weeks. That’s the real story, the testament of human nature.”

Neither Carr nor De Rosite have been deterred from the water as they both hit the waves again around six weeks after the incident.

Carr believes without the help of De Rosite, he would not be alive. He nominated De Rosite for the Pride of Australia medal which celebrates the achievements and remarkable contribution of individuals across the country.

This is the sixty-fourth shark attack bite of 2015, seven of which were fatal.

The location has been marked on the 2015 shark attack bites tracking map.

Updated 9/13/16

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2 Thoughts to “Bodyboarder bitten by shark in Australia”

  1. pletchertzw

    I like to think I would save my friend too, but it would be scary as hell!! Great job guys!

  2. Gillie

    I am so sorry to hear this, i am keeping the young man and his family in my prayers.

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