Shark News

Shark kills teenage surfer at Ballina in New South Wales

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 April, 2008 : - - A teenage boy has told lifesavers the sea turned red after his 16-year-old friend was fatally attacked by a large shark while surfing at Ballina in northern NSW. The boy, from Wollongbar, west of Ballina, died after being bitten on the legs and body while bodyboarding with his friend at Ballina's popular Lighthouse Beach about 8am (AEST) Tuesday.

Surf Life Saving NSW spokesman Stephen Leahy said the friend had described the moments immediately after the attack. "One boy indicated to his mate that he was in trouble and his mate went over and as he approached him he saw the water was beginning to turn red," Mr Leahy told reporters. The boy went for help at a nearby beach tower, where lifeguards raised the alarm.

"The boy was dragged up out of the water and onto the sand, shortly after emergency services arrived, but there was nothing we could do to save that boy's life," Mr Leahy said. He said the two bites caused massive blood loss. Mr Leahy also indicated that the shark was very large. The teenage friend was later discharged from hospital but was suffering shock.

Rough seas and poor visibility have delayed any search for the shark.

Read the full article  at TheAge.com.au

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Source: The Age

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