A 56-year-old father from Western Australia faces a “long recovery” after losing his foot in a shark attack while surfing alone, 9 News Australia reports.
Mel Ismail was in the water at Glenfield Beach when he was bitten by a shark on Monday morning. In addition to biting his leg, the shark also bit his surfboard and took a chunk out of it.
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“[He is] receiving specialist care from an experienced multidisciplinary team with the capability and expertise to manage complex and critically unwell patients locally,” the head of the ICU department, Dr. Mary Pinder, said.
“This person remains in a stable condition; however, he has sustained serious injuries and faces a long recovery.”
Ismail is lucky to be alive, all things considered. He was rescued from the water by Shannon Dunn, a fellow surfer who 9 News reports also works for the region’s emergency services.
Dunn was on the shore when he noticed Ismail waving for help. He didn’t hesitate. He hopped on his board, risked his life and headed towards the bloody waters. He then pulled the injured surfer back to shore.
Once on shore, some teenagers pitched in and ended up making a tourniquet out of the rope from a surfboard. Dunn then tossed Ismail into the back of his vehicle and drove him to a waiting ambulance.
Some heroes wear capes. Some enjoy surfing and also drive a Ute.
The shark attack is being investigated and authorities are telling swimmers in the area to use extra caution. A portion of Glenfield Beach was temporarily closed after the encounter.
The outlet reports that the full extent of Ismail’s injuries isn’t known. He is in serious but stable condition, receiving treatment at Geraldton Health Campus’ Intensive Care Unit/High Dependency Unit.