Western Australia – A local surfer, 56‑year‑old Mel Ismail, suffered a severe shark bite at Glenfield Beach on Monday morning, losing part of his foot and sustaining serious injuries to his leg and surfboard.
Quick rescue by fellow surfer
Shannon Dunn, who also works for the region’s emergency services, saw Ismail waving for help from the shore. Dunn immediately paddled out on his board, entered the bloody water and pulled the injured surfer back to shore.
Teenagers on the beach assisted by fashioning a makeshift tourniquet from a surfboard rope. Dunn then loaded Ismail into his vehicle and drove him to a waiting ambulance, which transported him to Geraldton Health Campus.
Medical care and outlook
Dr. Mary Pinder, head of the ICU department at Geraldton Health Campus, said Ismail is receiving specialist care from an experienced multidisciplinary team. “He remains in a stable condition, but he has sustained serious injuries and faces a long recovery,” she said.
Ismail is currently in the Intensive Care Unit/High Dependency Unit, where doctors are monitoring his condition and planning further treatment. The full extent of his injuries has not yet been disclosed.
Community response and safety notice
Local authorities are investigating the attack and have urged swimmers to exercise extra caution in the area. A portion of Glenfield Beach was temporarily closed while the investigation continues.
The incident highlights the bravery of community members like Dunn, who put themselves at risk to help a neighbor in danger.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
