Shark Attack Near South Australian Beach Causes Panic
A woman diving near a South Australian beach experienced a terrifying shark attack, prompting panic among schoolchildren and other beachgoers who witnessed the incident.
The 32-year-old diver was near a reef close to Port Noarlunga Jetty, just south of Adelaide, around 1:20 pm when she was attacked. The South Australia Ambulance Service, as reported by ABC, confirmed the incident but did not specify the shark species involved. Australia's waters are home to several species known for human attacks, including great white, bull, and tiger sharks.
Australia ranks second globally for the most recorded shark attacks, following the United States, according to the International Shark Attack File managed by the Florida Museum. Since 1580, there have been 691 unprovoked shark attacks in Australian waters, with New South Wales recording the highest number. South Australia has experienced 42 attacks.
The attack led to chaotic scenes as a group of schoolchildren on a field trip and others at the beach hurriedly exited the water. The woman, bleeding profusely, was quickly assisted by a rescue boat. Initially assessed as life-threatening, her injuries were later downgraded to serious but non-life-threatening by the South Australia Police, as per a 7News report.
Following the incident, a search for the shark was conducted, but with no sightings, beachgoers were eventually allowed back into the water.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic aftermath of the attack. Charlieze Nalzare, present at the beach, recounted hearing screams and being urged to leave the water. Eric Tink, another witness, arrived at the beach amidst the commotion, noting the unusual nature of the attack's location. Tom Bearne, a longtime local, expressed his shock, having never witnessed such an event in the area.
The shark attack near Port Noarlunga Jetty serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in Australian waters, home to some of the world's most formidable shark species.