Fisherman airlifted to Perth after shark bite near Coral Bay

A spear-fisherman in his 20’s is being airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital today, following a shark bite while fishing off the coast of Coral Bay this afternoon.

The man was brought to shore by a boat around 12.15pm, before being taken 50km by ambulance to Coral Bay Nursing Post, according to a St John Ambulance spokeswoman.

She said the man suffered a five to eight centimetre laceration on his calf, stressing the injuries were not life-threatening.

“He was transported by an St John Ambulance crew at normal speed,” she said.

The Department of Fisheries has advised they are investigating the incident and believed a bronze whaler or bull shark was responsible.

“The incident occurred approximately 500 to 1000 metres offshore, south of Warroora Station,” a spokesman said, adding people in the area should take caution and adhere to beach closures.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has confirmed a plane is currently en route to Coral Bay where it is expected to land just before 5pm before airlifting the man to Perth for treatment.