Man bitten by shark – Ballina NSW

News Release

NSW Police Force

07. November 2018

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A man has been injured after being bitten by a shark on the NSW North Coast.

About 6.45am (Wednesday 7 November 2018), a 43-year-old local man was surfing at Shelley Beach, Ballina, when he was bitten on the left calf by a shark.

He brought himself to shore and was given first aid by his friends. The man then attended Ballina Hospital for treatment.

The injury is not life threatening.

Officers from Richmond Police District attended the beach and liaised with Surf Life Saving NSW. Jet skis and a drone have been deployed to survey the area.

Shelley Beach and surrounding beaches have been closed for 24 hours.

Officers seized the surf board and are liaising with Department of Primary Industries to identify the species.

Beachgoers are urged to follow safety advice, by visiting the Department of Primary Industry’s website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/sharks and the SharkSmart app.

Source: NSW Police Force