South Australia shark attack: Bridgette O’Shannessy survives terrifying white pointer encounter while diving

A diver has had multiple surgeries but is expected to make a full recovery after a shark bit her face while she was swimming south of Adelaide.

Environmental consultant and university student Bridgette O’Shannessy, 32, was attacked by a great white while free-diving off a reef on Friday afternoon.

Her partner Brian Gordon Roberts was diving with her and pushed the shark away before putting pressure on her wounds.

Ms O’Shannessy was rushed to Flinders Medical Centre. She remains there after undergoing two surgeries for extensive injuries and nerve damage.

Mr Roberts used social media to announce Ms O’Shannessy was in a stable condition when she left the surgery.

“Unfortunately Bridgette was hit by a white pointer at Port Noarlunga reef yesterday,” he wrote.

“She’s doing really well considering the circumstances.”

Mr Roberts thanked supporters for their well wishes and said he had been passing them on to her.