A British tourist has had his foot bitten off, and another man has serious leg injuries after the pair was attacked by a shark while snorkelling in Hook Passage of Airlie Beach in Queensland’s Whitsundays yesterday morning around 10.26am [AEST].
The men were given immediate attention by paramedics from overseas who happened to be on the boat that had taken the men on the day trip from Airlie Beach. They were then flown from Airlie Beach to Mackay Base Hospital and were reported to be in a serious but stable condition.
Tourism Whitsundays and Whitsunday Regional Council issued the following joint statement yesterday afternoon:
“This morning at 10:26am AEST there was an incident involving two people in Hook Passage, we believe this was a shark incident.
Our first thoughts are with the two people involved in the incident and their welfare; as well as the other passengers and crew on the boat. On board the vessel were two passengers who are paramedics and provided immediate first aid.
Immediate counselling support was arranged for the passengers and crew, their welfare is also our priority. We would also like to commend the lightning response of our first responders and emergency services.
Their efforts have insured the two people have been able to receive expert medical treatment very quickly.
Queensland Ambulance Service have advised that both people are in a serious but stable condition, with non-life threatening injuries. Our priority and focus now is ensuring the welfare of these two people and until we receive accurate and detailed information regarding the incident, we are unable to make any further comment.”
IMAGE: Tourism Whitsundays
