Shark Updates

Species of shark responsible for attack still unknown

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 22 July, 2015 -  A shark attacked a surfer and tore off a "good chunk" of his arm off the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion on Wednesday, according to officials and witnesses.

A surfer described as a man in his 40s was attacked by a shark off La Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Reports to AFP say a large piece of the man’s arm was torn off in the incident.

Lifeguards said the man was a "regular surfer" who was in clear water at the time and that weather conditions were very good.

EMTs applied a tourniquet to the rest of the arm before the surfer was whisked away to the local hospital still conscious.

The attack is the 18th in the area since 2011. Seven of the shark attacks have been fatal. In April a shark attacked and killed 13-year-old Elio Canestri, a talented local from.

France has approved increased fishing of tiger and bull sharks in the marine reserve off La Reunion and have increased surveillance and protection nets. Shark-fishing trips have also been increased.