23-year-old surfer Sean Pollard is in stable condition despite losing an arm and a hand after being attacked by a shark in West Australia. Photo: Facebook
In the early afternoon on October 2nd, 23-year-old surfer Sean Pollard was attacked by a shark at Wylie Bay Beach in Esperance, Western Australia. According to ABC News, he was surfing alone about 150 meters from the beach when a shark, which some speculate to be a white pointer or bronzed whaler, ripped off one of his arms and his other hand.
Western Australia has made headlines frequently in the past year due to the rising number of shark encounters and policies instituted as a result. Last year an abalone diver was attacked in the same area. According to Perth Now, eleven ocean goers have died from attacks in the area since the turn of the century.
The most recent attack reignites conversation around controversial shark policies in the region. In response, the Department of Fisheries captured two Great Whites in the area using baited drum lines. Lisa Clack, manager of the shark response unit at the Department of Fisheries, said, “On the basis that white sharks of this size are known to have bitten humans, often with fatal consequences, the decision has been made to destroy the shark humanely.”
According to Perth Now, both sharks were killed with the intention of using them for scientific purposes.
The Department of Fisheries told ABC that even after examination, it may not be possible to determine whether either shark was involved in the attack.
As a precaution, Wylie Bay and its surrounding beaches have been closed. According to the Inquisitr Pollard was transferred to Royal Perth Hospital and is in stable condition.
