Shark attack Lucys beach: Man rushed to hospital after incident in Greenough, south of Geraldton

Authorities are investigating after a surfer was bitten on the arm by a shark in Greenough, south of Geraldton.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said the “shark bite incident” happened at Lucys Beach about 7.15am on Sunday.

“A man has received injuries after being bitten by an unknown species of shark,” a Shark Smart alert said.

Read the full story about the shark attack survivor at The West Australian

A male in his 30s is being taken to Geraldton Health Campus. It is understood first-aid was given on the beach before he was taken by ambulance to hospital.

It is understood his injuries are not life-threatening.

Lucys Beach, about 15km south of Geraldton, has been closed by rangers.

Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he understood the man was bitten on the right arm and that his friend helped to bring him to shore.

“With the assistance of a friend, they managed to make it to shore,” he said.

Mr Van Styn said shark sightings were common in the area but attacks were very rare. Early indications were the shark was a bronze whaler, the mayor said.

“This is the first shark attack I’ve been made aware of for well over a decade,” he said.

“We are just grateful that by all accounts the injuries aren’t life-threatening and a speedy recovery is what we all hoped for in this instance.”

Mr Van Styn said the beach was popular for fishing and surfing.

However, Surf Life Saving WA’s Beach Safe website describes it as hazardous for swimming as the reef causes several permanent rips.

The attack comes less than two months after Stella Berry was fatally attacked by a bull shark in the Swan River in February.

Last year, Port Hedland father Robbie Peck survived after being mauled by a shark off the Pilbara coast.

The father of three was spearfishing with friends and family off the Pilbara coast on October 7 when his left arm was mauled by a bull shark.

Mr Peck’s friend Ben Earnshaw and brother-in-law Clive Fondyke were onboard and acted quickly to help save his life. Also on the boat was Mr Peck’s four-year-old son James.

“I remember just turning around and looking over my left shoulder and all I see is just a giant mouth wide open and a wall of teeth coming at me, full charge,” he said after the incident.

“I do recall the teeth just sinking into my arm and it was like a hot knife through butter.”