Richard Vinall was on a daily swim at Port Noarlunga Beach when he was attacked by a shark about 150 metres from the shore in Australia yesterday morning
The blood-curdling screams of a man being attacked by a shark as he swam off the coast of Australia, were heard by witnesses who were diving underwater at the time.
Richard Vinall was on a daily swim at Port Noarlunga Beach when he was attacked by a shark about 150 metres from the shore on Thursday morning. He is now fighting for his life in hospital with critical injuries.
Witnesses reported hearing “blood-curdling screams” when they were diving underwater and witnesses on the beach also say they saw a woman, presumed to be Mr Vinall’s partner, also screaming for help.
One diver told 7 News in Australia: “She and the surf lifesaving club went out to help, then emergency services were called.” Swimmers were evacuated from the water and police urged others to avoid the popular beach, which is about 40 minutes south of Adelaide.
A school group and a local diving group who were at the jetty at the time were evacuated following the shark attack as emergency services arrived. Police confirmed Mr Vinall was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The 66 year old was taken to the Flinders Medical Centre, where he remains in a critical but stable condition with serious injuries. It is unclear what type of shark attacked him.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police are at the scene of a shark attack at Port Noarlunga. About 9.45am today (Thursday 15 May), emergency services were called to the Port Noarlunga jetty after reports that a man swimming in the water had been bitten by a shark.
“He was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Swimmers have been evacuated from the water. Please avoid the area.”
Port Noarlunga is a picturesque seaside village located approximately 30 kilometres south of Adelaide and perfect to swim, kayak, snorkel, dive and fish.
The red sandstone beach cliffs, long jetty and reef, make it one of the iconic diving destinations in the state.