Surfer dies in shark attack in Kingscliff in northern NSW
A surfer has died after a shark attack in northern New South Wales.
Witnesses told police a 3-metre shark attacked a man shortly after 10.00am, at Salt Beach, just south of Kingscliff.
Several boardriders came to his assistance and fought off the shark.
The man was helped to shore and received first aid for serious injuries to his left leg but died at the scene.
He is believed to be a 60-year-old man from Queensland.
The Department of Primary Industries has confirmed the attacker was a white shark.
Beaches between Kingscliff and Cabarita will remain closed for 24 hours.
Terry Savage from NSW Ambulance described the man's injuries as "significant" and said the scene was "very confronting".
"Unfortunately there was nothing else we could do," he said.
Four paramedics responded to the emergency call including two specialising in intensive care.
Mr Savage described the two men who fought off the shark and helped the man to shore as "amazing".
"[It was] nothing short of heroic to get him in to the beach," he said.
NSW Police Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe said police would interview witnesses and were still trying to formally identify the man.
"We're still making attempts to contact family," he said.
Detective Inspector Kehoe said the "heroic efforts" of the people who tried to help the man should be recognised.
"We will certainly making recommendations in regards to their brave actions here today," he said.
Kingscliff local Stuart Gonsal had just arrived at the beach ready for a surf, when he found out about the fatal attack.
"We came down and we hadn't got in the water and police were immediately hauling people in," Mr Gonsal said.
"A lot of people were still stuck out the back there.
"Then an ambulance was here and we found out there was a fatal shark attack on the southside of the rock wall.
"We were going to get in, we're not going to now for sure.
Mr Gonsal said there had been a lot of fishing boats out on the water and there was "a fair bit of action out there in terms of fish today".
"It took a while to get all the people out of the water."
© Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
Comments
Heavy. Was just passing through Kingy.. chopper and police everywhere. RIP.
Just skimming the news now and read that. Sad news.
Sincere condolences to the blokes family and friends.
RIP.
Was out there just before it happened, definitely was a lot of activity - I saw whales and dolphins, and everyone was surfing the outer bank on high tide, so bit of a paddle and deep water out the back.
Johny B?
nah Dazzler
we almost surfed south kingy this morning but went further south chasing better banks as it didn't look that good.
..apparently it bumped a 13 year old local surfing with his dad just before it attacked...there was a strongy fishy smell in the water at times with heaps of dolphins chasing mullet and bait fish and whales out the back which is been pretty common the last couple of weeks
was he surfing the back bank?
RIP and sympathies to the family.
it was such a beautiful day in the ocean today. I was surfing with my family when it happened.
You don't think about death when you're in paradise.
Kudos to the the guys who tried to save him.
That whole stretch has a wide deep gutter at present. As it’s the only option, everyone's been surfing the back bank.
the shark they showed on the footage on SMH was a chunky ten-foot white.
looked agitated.
anyone surfing the tweed this morning get any vibes?
Surfed about 1-2ks south of the incident. Was going to take my youngest out for a paddle but with the outer banks the only option I decided against it. Went out around 8am and came in 10:30 ish after the high tide lulls. Defenatly a lot of sea life action. Birds smashing fish left and right. They didn't seem to mind settling down on the ocean for a rest every once and a while, so wasn't thinking too much about the grey suits until someone not far away from me, mentioned a possible sighting. Pretty much paddled in after hearing that. RIP old mate.
I was in the water from 8-10:30 about 2km south of where it happened, lots of birds diving on bait balls and saw bait fish getting chased by larger fish.
At one point the mate I was surfing with got a bit spooked by something and paddled over to sit by me, but we never saw anything and kept surfing. I actually thought at the time if it was a Noah it’d be a long and nervous paddle in from the back bank if it was interested in us. Respect to the crew who helped him get in, I hope they’re ok after all this.
Surfed Dreamtime at first light and was a bit surprised when 3 dolphins passed through on the land side of where we were sitting. Often see them there but usually they come past in the impact zone or out the back and I remember thinking that I wondered why they were so close to shore. Other than this there wasn’t too much life in the water in our immediate surrounds, but water was darkish in appearance and not much visibility. Completely unrelated to this event of course. RIP to old mate
Gee that aerial photo of it on the guardian def looks like a white! Looks big too!
RIP mate
A really sad day.
Words are hard to find. Only thoughts and feelings, of which are with all that knew the man.
Take care everyone.
Shocking and sad news.. and yeah, that shark in the footage isn't in cruise mode.
SMH is saying the victim had his leg bitten off.
Fucked up.
Condolences to family and friends of the surfer involved.
Well done the brave crew who assisted during the attack and the aftermath.
Condolences to all involved.
Sad news, condolences go out to the family and friends.
ABC news showed live footage following it.
It looked like it was in shallow water where waves were breaking. I am no shark expert but it looked like a white and was a big one.
Nature can be a wonderful and harsh mistress. Condolences to the vctim's family and friends. Be safe.
{R.I.P} Such sad news.
Here's that ABC footage...The same Shark?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-07/surfer-dies-in-shark-attack-near-...
swellnet Oct 2016 : Northern Rivers [Prime Shark Attack Time]
Weekends & (or) 8:00am -10:30am
Fine Weather (Mostly)
Tide starting to back out > mid deep water over the Bank.
Prime Surf Time is also naturally prime Shark (Incident Time)
Sadly this tragedy reinforces that we all love & share the same precious resource.
Amazing how quickly something that size turned around.
RIP Old Mate
Tragedy on such a glorious day.
Sounds like amazing efforts by the other guys involved to try and fight it off. It’s hard to imagine being in that situation and how to react.
Very brave stuff by the other surfers in what would be a terrifying situation. Sad day for everyone involved
Hope its not a case of here we go again.....RIP mate.
So sad and condolences go to the family, friends and those who witnessed and helped render first aid. Rest In Peace.
Surfing an isolated beachy this AM with insanely beautiful conditions, glassy 3ft+, dolphins, birds fishing and semi murky water. Didn't have a sharky vibe at all. Just have to try and trust those instincts sometimes when things are a little off.
https://www.instagram.com/dancanphoto/
so sad.. thoughts are with his family and friends
RIP old mate
Kill order given.. dont know how they missed that opportunity
Those Jet Skis are about 3.6 long so this Beast is 4m easily..
Extremely sad news .. RIP MATE .. credit to crew who tried to save him .. brave effort..
R.I.P dude.
Soooo the drum baits didn't work huh .Thousands of dead turtles and dolphins. Dead whales in nets.
A few years back, Here in Swellnet, Got into a heated debate over this. As an old sea dog, I know there are times when not to surf. I posted a checklist here. Got howled at by latte sippers. I said if you tick more than 3 off this list, you will double your chance of attack. Tick 4 double again. 5 double again etc etc
Within 2 days days of a full/new moon.
Rain from previous days creating less that ideal water quality
dawn/dusk
surfing on mid tide or above - change of tide especially
seasonal bait/migration
deep drop offs
reefs/points /rocks, rivermouths
by yourself
pissing in your wetsuit
jingly jewellery..
bleeding.
From what i can see, with today;
FULL MOON last night.
RIGHT ON change of HIGH TIDE
seasonal bait/migration
deep drop off.
There's 4 boxes ticked.
Now thats facts we know. If the poor old fella was prone to urinating in his wettie, maybe have a few cuts n scrapes from general living, we're looking at ticking 6 boxes..
Remember we're all just animals floating around in a liquid jungle. Doesn't matter how many traps and nets you put out. Kill a thousand turtles if you like. If you tick too many boxes, shit can happen.
Cheers.
Cockhead
Condolences to family.
g'day mate. obviously triggered you. i remember that big tiger knocking you off your board at the thomatis spit quite clearly. i walked kingy to caba both monday and tuesday and bodysurfed twice. On tuesday, really heavy fish smell, so i immediaetely got out. I can see what you are doing with your blueprint, but as all species migrate North,predators are coming as well. fish stocks not as abundant as before, so sharks having a crack at what they can, as you can expect, they need to eat! we overfish,we under experience our aquatic playground.
, we fish in harmony, we surf in harmony, we live in hramony- harmony resonates throughout.
you got the full moon and seasonal migration right Sheepdog. But bait migrations are in effect from pretty much Feb to August, right through the surf season.
deep drop off? maybe, surf was small and he was on an outer bank. Can't be sure of the exact bottom contours.
High tide was at 8.30, attack was at 10. so nowhere near the tide change.
Also wrong: there are no drum lines on the Tweed coast. Also wrong: if you are referring to the smart drum lines in NENSW there is no by catch.
To be honest, I think you're post is not just ill informed, but in poor taste.
It was a fun clear water babyfood day with plenty of other people surfing .....about as safe as any day really.
A little respect and restraint might be in order before you come in crowing about the how the bloke was basically to blame for getting attacked because he didn't follow your list.
Well said Freeride
I agree, and if you went by this checklist you would never surf. However, everyone from
the Kingscliff area reported lots of marine action. That does have to be the major indicator of this prior to this unfortunate incident.
Interestingly, there was none of that kind of sea life action from what I observed around the Ballina area yesterday. M It must have been quite concentrated to that end of the coast at that time.
Other than that, it was a bluebird day with very clear water and a settled sea state. Tadashi’s attack happened in similar excellent water conditions and a settled day.
Condolences to the family, a sad day.
Well put FR.
Fark. 2 words u never wanna hear. Heart goes out to all those involved and especially his family. Really sad news.
Sad and sobering. Surfed there a bit often early and by myself. Not any sharkier than any other stretch of NSW beach. But they are always out there cruising the coast and that one looked agitated i.e. hungry and wanted to finish what it started.
I was surprised by dolphins there a few times and noted tjat even with clear water they were invisible till they popped up to breathe due to sun angle. We think we see what is around us but mostly have no idea.
Bloke was from Tugun (not putting a a name out of respect) my brother and some mates live at salt and there is often shorey, gutter and bank out the back on that stretch. Apparently lots of pilchards at the time too.
the kill order is confusing.
SMH says it was granted, ABC indicates it wasn't.
The shark responsible for the attack was clearly hanging around, in a highly agitated state.
Cops over the bow of the cat taking photos.
If they had a kill order, they could have easily done the job.
Should they have?
In this instance, I think so.
That shark attacked a bloke then attacked the guys trying too save him. Thats too risky to leave in a highly populated surf area.
I realise people will have strong feelings in the opposing direction.
Should they have? Not in my opinion. I’m glad it got away. Even if it seemed agitated, clear the beach and let it go on with its life. It’s nature. We all know the risks Steve. We accept those risks.
In all honesty, if I were taken by a shark, I wouldn’t want it killed. Just seems wrong.
tbh it's more about what happens now with that shark.
habituated to humans, already got a successful hit on and not scared to carry on.
I'm more worried about the next crew it encounters when it's in close.
Once you join the bumb club your feeling might change..........
We all know the risks involved. It’s just a sad, unfortunate occurrence. I say let them be free, we are the ones entering their domain. Just my opinion though.
RIP to the bloke involved and huge respect for those who got him to shore, I hope they are travelling ok.
I’m with Steve. If the NNSW tagging has proven anything, it’s that there’s a very healthy white population in the area. This thing has shown pretty irrefutable rogue behaviour. If it could be taught a lesson, then well and good. But unfortunately that isn’t an option. It isn’t indiscriminate killing if it’s obviously the culprit
BTW I’m assuming this one wasn’t pinging? Never tagged?
I think shark smart has been showing a white at Kingscliff the few days prior.
No pings on the day though.
Sad day for family and friends. Condolences
Done a bit of beach hauling and bait season on the north coast goes a bit longer than most think. Starts with the white bait schools in various sizes in feb and generally progresses towards the pillie species later on the season , with good hauls often being taken all the way to november.
A variant with shark attitude is in the seasonal fish they are chasing , ie their intended prey cos they're pretty shit at catching bait fish. The way they hunt mullet or salmon is different to how they target fish like the tuna species , which I understand {from a reliable source} were reasonably thick today , and bleeding tuna carcasses will send a shark into a drooling killing machine quicker than you can blink.
I get your theory sheepdog , but If I followed that advice, I'd pretty much have to give up surfing.
Can't blame this guy for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.. to the guys who helped him out , legends.
Very sad for all involved. RIP mate.
Presumably the shark appears agitated in the video because it has been disturbed (chased) by a boat & jet ski whilst hunting for a feed. I’m not sure this is relevant in any way to the attack itself.
I think in those circumstances where the shark that has attacked is clearly still identifiable it should be terminated, particularly in populated areas. Will it reduce the risk of further attacks (in those specific attack locations)? We will never know until we start implementing it IMO.
I've seen whitebait netted on south Ballina beach in December heaps of times.
bait balls can happen for most of the year.
3-4m white could also easily be having a crack at dolphins or stingrays .
bait fish ain't much caloric input for a predator that size.
and tuna in the surf zone are way too fast for a slow predator like a white shark,
Tuna are harder than bait fish for a shark,, however they do get 'switched on' when boats are catching them , and that was part of my point,
Lots of bleeding species like mac tuna getting released, and they generally head for the shallows ..
saw a baby dolphin lasty week with its dorsal fin crescent shaped..
“This thing has shown pretty irrefutable rogue behaviour.”
Care to explain what was rogue about its behavior?
It bit a human. Then it charged another. That sets it apart from the many others in the area
Thanks for your reply mate. Whenever the term “rogue” gets used to describe a shark that has attacked a human, I’ve always been intrigued by it & excuse my ignorance but have never been able to wrap my head around it. Are you suggesting the shark should of known better, not only to not have attacked in the first place but to not follow up that attack seconds later just because they were humans? Yes they are incredibly intelligent creatures but that’s a long bow to draw. If I was to describe a shark as “rogue”, it would be one that has attacked a human, been clearly identified, then is recorded to go on to attack humans on a regular basis. I just think the term rogue is not correct in this case. History suggests sharks attacks are pretty rare but not completely out of character IMO. Cheers.
No worries mate. Not suggesting it should’ve known better but more relying on behaviour pattern/ conditioning. For whatever reason, it decided to have a go when the absolute majority don’t. In the same way you can assume it won’t do it again, I think there’s more reason to assume it will. There’s a LOT of them out there and it’s a big ocean. If we can identify one that definitely did, then it’s arguable to take the action. Regarding calorific return on effort - I reckon we’re the easiest conquest you could imagine to a shark. Bobbing, basically stationary, no agility, almost no defence, almost never even see it coming. The only foil to their bite and wait modus operandi is we often have brave allies who pull us out of the water before they get their bounty. Seals/ dolphins etc unfortunately don’t have friends with the same dexterity or camaraderie.
I’m also hesitant to conflate intelligence with habit. What they do is very simple. And very practiced. Over thousands of years. Without the predation threat that most other animals and mammals are subjected to.
Yep well said, I agree with alot of that. I also think the shark was simply hunting (hungry), took the opportunity & did what they do best. Like you suggested, habit over intelligence. Cheers.
I do agree that 'rogue' is probably not the best word, and i don't mean to use in a context of it using emotion or being insidious, but its behaviour (even if it's an isolated incident) is different from its peers. And most of sharks' behaviour is based on patterns and past experience. So rather than waiting to see if this pattern becomes entrenched, better to take action IMO.
First of all RIP to the man and my thoughts have been with him and his family and friends since hearing.
From what I've learnt about sharks is that once they've bitten a human they realise it's not a taste for them hence why you never hear of them striking twice. But I noticed I read above somewhere that he went again? Was it at the same guy or do you mean the jetski? If it's the jetski then I would say the shark is feeling threatened and cornered as the ski is circling right over him. If he went again at another human then to my knowledge that would be considered very out of character for a shark.
It's surely got to be understood that if sharks actually wanted us then they could have us disappear very quickly.
As a mad spearfisherman I have gained a lot of insight from this sport about shark behaviour. The most important message when diving with sharks is to not react and to face them and if necessary poke them with your spear and they will leave you alone. I think the problem with surfing is we can be erratic when scrambling to get into position for a wave etc and this catches the attention of sharks when in close.
I'm no Pro in any field relating to this but it's what I think in relation to sharks and surfing.
Once again RIP mate and I'll be getting a wave in your honour next time I'm out there
Some sharks that attack surfers get a mouth full of fibreglass or fin and probably file that away in their memory bank as a not to repeat food source. A punch in nose or poke in eye might be the same.
But a clean bite with tasty blood = try again one day.
RIP young fella.
Respect for those that assisted in bringing him in, hope they can move on from the lost and to acceptance longer term.
Its pretty messy stuff.
In regards to the white after the attack chances are its unlikely to repeat another due to the low calorific value of a leg verses risk and energy required to carry out the attack still that wont satisfy the need for vengeance.
Quick question as a mate flew his drone not long before at back beach and then a bit further south. Did anyone spot a whale struggling a bit nearby? RIP, fricken heavy. Thoughts are with his friends and family.
Good question SA Wetdog. And while there is a level of scepticism to Sheepdog's list of factors, i think it shouldn't be overlooked at all especially as a blueprint... There really needs to be a data base of tides, direction of attack in relation to wind, sun, waves, etc etc etc etc. This would be a fool proof database that every surfer could then draw their own conclusions off and weigh up the risks from that. I'm amazed it hasn't happened yet but we try everything else under the sun in the name of avoidance. Why not try the actual factual data?? I applaud sheepdog for drawing on empirical wisdom based on events passed.
The 5 factors i adhere to are (and please feel free to add to this folks based on your own experiences)
1: Baitfish in water and birds diving (guaranteed problems and number 1 on the list...get out of the water now!!) (p.s> i know this ruins a lot of sessions folks) (p.p.s. this holds true across every state and coast of Australia....trust me)
2: Dusk and dawn for obvious reasons
3: Rivermouths, particularly after rain or on outgoing tides
4: If you're bleeding ...
5: Wee wee in your wettie. Only from a doco i watched once but that was pretty conclusive that surfers who wee'd in their wetties were kinda a beacon
5 1/2: A whale carcass in the lineup or on the shoreline (which should be fairly explanatory, but note: the number of attacks on surfers from E and W over the last few years that have been close to a rotting whale carcass. This could easily be number 1. Thanks for bringing it up SA Wetdog. And as for the kill shark or not kill? Far out fellas, let it settle for a few hours would ya?
thanx for sharing bluediamond & sheepdog
Massive ocean for our puny science > we must direct the resource wisely..
We run Drones into the ground when 99.9 % of the time there is no shark!
We must isolate dangerous conditions & hot spots...then target them.
(above - tbb calculated the time & tides of Northern Rivers attacks)
However! This varies by type of activity & region...
Main common theme is likely the run out nutrient rich tide.
Here's 3 different regional recreation times that boss Shark stats.
Northern NSW...8:00 - 10:30 (Surfing + w/e @ beach before onshore)
Whitsundays...1:00 - 3:00 (Anchor Boat -Lunch > Early arvo dive )
Central Qld Coast ...3:00 - 4:30 (After work & heat for a cool dip!)
Sydney ...Dusk - Dawn (City Lights Skinny Dip) tbb made that one up!
tbb is just saying each regional activity has their own danger hour.
That alone is the most telling factor.
(We haven't tripped over that dead giveaway yet!) Oops!
SA is likely to be Abolone Season > Dive Times
Locations (Rain- Phosphorous run off out River Mouths)
Shark Breeding cycles in Rivers + Whale Nurseries + Seaweed
Not just Sharks...
SEQ islands Mid Summer afternoons.
The shallow N/E warm pools are protected S/E winds.
Families & Irukandji share them & love it!
Qldurrz never warn of known dangerous sites / times / weather.
Same pool / same day > (Cloudy am = Fun) (Scorcher pm = You're dead)
Some sorta twisted Qldurrz deadly secret...well yer all know now!
So yep! Best we share research...to tackle our impossible Coast.
If it doesn't seem right, then it's fair to question info also.
Another example is Lightning...
It's no uni paper but it's well researched & enters the danger zone.
A lot of unknown risk factors must be weighed up! Not easy to write!
Cross referenced opposing advice several times all the way thru!
In that regard it is similar to Shark advice +(Alternate info bridges gaps!)
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2015/11/30/ride-lightnin...
Interesting as I was in the water just before the attack, and a whale was very close in, and a guy I was surfing with paddled out into to deep water to go near the whale and have a closer look but then realised a drone was filming so paddled back to the surf zone. Not sure if it was struggling but I also saw dolphins in a bit of an agitated state, eg not cruising and breathing but fin splashing and quick moves underwater, but I thought they were just hunting and feeding so not sure if it's related.
Jeez Jono! That sounds pretty hectic.Horrible day and my thoughts are with you mate. But thanks also. This is the sort of information i really believe is invaluable to all of us. A database on all of this evidence (particularly anecdotal which is basically all of us) would surely be invaluable. The ocean has patterns and so many of us see them and have the knowledge to share them and it could go a long way...There's been so many instances i've had with noah's i've had to learn the long way..if only i'd known those conditions earlier. . If we can help save the next life surely a database of this information is imperative.
Was a heavy morning as i came in and went home to get the kids and dog, then parked back at south kingy to walk to salt. Got half way there and a guy ran up and said don't take your kids any further, and quietly explained what was happening on the beach down there Could see them standing around and a bit of commotion, then the cars started arriving. I'm a bit shaken from just being in the vicinity, can't begin to imagine what it was like for those who were part of the attempted rescue. Very surreal and didn't seem like it should have been taking place. And obviously so tragic for the victim and family.
Far out man. Sending my warmest love to you. That's too heavy.
tbb along with the crew salutes Rob's rescuers (Frank & Mark)..true heroes. (see: vid link)
https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSGoldCoast/videos/gold-coast-man-killed-in-...
*Friday12th - Weekend Paddle Out has been [ POSTPONED ] re: Border issues.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/calls-for-more-mitigat...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/398510356994590/747600372085585/
All Tweed Shire Beaches are now Open
Sunday High Tide [ 9:15 am ] Moon was Waning Gibbous
Fishing Report: [Falling Tide] Good fishing at first (High) then changing to Poor
Activity around Creek Mouth on turn of the tide (10am near-shore the last of it!)
Locals say several small schools of bait Fish (Above) Mega Marine life & Birds
10am > (Large Female Shark bumps Grom!) [see rich74 above]
Just after 10am > 4m GWS continues on to bite the left thigh of a back bank Surfer
Tiler Rob Pedretti 60 yr/old formerly of Geelong > GC late '70's
The surfer resided in Tugun GC Qld > (re: Miami > Palm Beach Boardriders).
https://i.prcdn.co/img?regionKey=hXWP0Ljg5dAjxrRolQGWWg%3D%3D
Not unusual for large Sharks to skip first surfer/s & take out next...unsure as to why!
Tide'n'Time also aligned with other local attacks.
After Rob was bitten on the thigh, sending Rob off his board.
Friend Frank Schlee & near surfer Mark Hayes fought off the shark to get Rob back on board.
(Mark had seen attack & was central to the whole incident)
Shark reportedly rammed & dented Mark's board & nudged Franks.
The Shark kept circling the 2 men to shore (Above: Crew spoke of deep Gutter!)
Other surfers helped fend off the persistent Shark to clear the way for the rescuers.
Note: Surfers & Sharks co inhabit these Reefs...(Locals respect & live with that fact!)
https://www.tweeddailynews.com.au/news/shark-snapped-by-surfer-near-king...
This Kingy shark is happy in the shorie...(As you can see...Big Sharks local hang.)
https://www.facebook.com/7newssydney/videos/kingscliff-shark/13766116956...
Taking 10mins to outmaneuver the GWS.
Frank & Mark heroically completed their rescue as Rob received Lifeguard assist
Qld Newspaper Title [ Heroes Fail ] is disrespectful & Newspaper Staff should apologize.
https://i.prcdn.co/img?regionKey=ntGj7WRDB947Kr95GjSzSw%3D%3D
Much loved humble surfer Rob faded fast as paramedics arrived but couldn't be revived.
That being around 10:40am ...for Frank & Mark it was Heart wrenching!
Mark said he was struggling with the shock & trauma and will see a counsellor.
Plenty of respect for rescuers...(Considerable time being circled & bumped by GWS)
Frank swears without Mark's assist, he was going the same way as Rob.
Mark plays down the the hero tag..."You'd expect someone to help you!"
Nevertheless! Police are recommending bravery awards for our Heroes.
Rob (Robbo) & Dune St Boardriders ran Mini Bus Surfaris to South Kingy
Rob also often surfed Indo even PNG...(Loved surfing he did!)
SLSA closed the Beach & Police instructed all Surfers from the Ocean.
Note: (Same Policing as Ballina Shire!)
Pre Covid the NSW coast was ramping Policing of (Shark/Hazardous Beach Warnings).
2019 Ballina Mayor: "The Surfers could be prosecuted because the beach was closed."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-11/surfers-under-fire-for-ignoring-w...
Post Covid...the policing has ramped again & Police cleared beaches on Sunday/Monday.
Surf Lifesaving Chopper (Qld) + Drones + Jetski + Cat - Tracked to (ID) GWS .
DPI had permitted Police to 'Destroy the female Shark' (Catch'n'Kill Order expired Tues..)
Police were were unable to do so...(Shark left the area by 1:15 pm Sun).
The many Local crew would know killing a GWS here is a disposal nightmare.
Shark is near whale size! Council Bulldozers? Bury it in Salt Dunes, don't think so!
Perhaps a trophy haul...to parade the Beastie up Kiddie's swim Creek? Maybe Not!
Obviously a few Boomer Clubbies scored top jobs at DPI.
Recent Local Shark Sightings + unusual ocean events:
13th May - Ballina GWS 4m in Drum Lines
20th May - Ballina GWS 4.5m in Drum Lines
25-26th May -(A major Sea Level Anomoly) The last being Aug 2017
Additional 320mm Tide height than predicted or 15ML (Saltwater) breached Bray Park weir
https://www.facebook.com/notes/tweed-shire-council/tides-overtop-weir-as...
27th May - X Large size Dolphin Pod @ Fingal (Wave Zone)
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thetweed?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&_...
5th Friday - Kingy (Outer Reefs) GWS 3.5m [see daboots below]
5th Friday - Kingy (Evening) Bull Shark [Dorsal]
7th Sunday - Kingy (Dawn Patrol) Bait Fish were settling under Boardriders
7th Sunday - Kingy Lot's of action + Bait fish [see Jono / rich74 / Hastoes / no-eye-deer above]
7th Sunday - Kingy GWS 3.5m-4.m (Fatal Attack)
8th Monday- Bait balls & Large Shark spotted at Fingal [see rich74 below]
9th Tuesday- Kingy Bait balls + Birds & Large Pod of Whales & Dolphins
Local Councillor (Salt SLSC) calls for Shark mitigation.
Friends say Rob would not want nets or Sharks harmed.(Tagging preferred)
Catch'n'Kill order expired Tuesday.
{R.I.P} Rob. Paddle out this Weekend 13th/14th June has been [POSTPONED]
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/calls-for-more-mitigat...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/398510356994590/747600372085585/
19th June - Ceremony was held at Jan Juc Surf Coast Victoria
Robs Ashes will scattered during a paddle out in his hometown of Tugun Qld.
Thankyou TBB for the detailed description of conditions.... Much appreciated !!!!
Cheers TB.
Fark that's heavy. Surfed there dozens of times.
Again, condolences to the poor chaps family and friends and to the blokes that put their own lives at risk, good onya fellas. Legends.
Scientist like to classify us as less desireable low calorific value prey to reassure the public. It may be true that humans would be less beneficial to eat than a fat seal. But to assume that when sharks see a shape in the water they begin to make a judgement on calorific value for effort before biting is a stretch.
Their obvious tendency to mostly pass on by when they see us is a function of growing up eating thousands of meals that were fish, skates, rays or seals and thus having deep imprints of these prey's look linked to being a food - not some decision on based on a quick visual fat content analysis of our legs.
Judging by further footage of that shark , It was 'switched on ' big time..
It's not rogue behaviour , more like a primary response for an apex predator denied it's prize ., Sharks don't have emotion, if they did they would kill us all.
yep.
it hung around for 4 hrs.
Jono, any chopper fly overs that morning before the attack?
No mate, wasn't any while I was out there
yeah strange that, we normally see the shark choppers every day around 9am or so doing the lap usually an R44 but more R22's lately, but nothing i noticed yesterday during that time when we were in the water a few kms south. it was probably one of the busiest days in the water for awhile on the tweed with surfers right along all the open beaches..i had an R44 hover over us very near the site of yesterday's attack a couple of years ago and warned us out of the water with the loudspeaker just after i got spooked by something hitting a school of smaller fish hard a few metres away..it was a confirmed 2.5m GW on dorsal facebook page later that day and was about 10 metres from where i was at one point but more interested in the little fish I'm guessing.
The marine biology community seems to have an unyielding tendency to continually state that most shark attacks on humans are mistaken identity.
Science is defined by adherence to evidence. There is no evidence to support the theory that most shark attacks are the result of mistaken identity. It is demonstrably not the case in this particular situation as the shark repeated its attack and had tasted the victim. As with other scenarios where this occurs , it will be quietly ignored in preference for the subjective assessment that sharks don’t consciously attack humans .
Irrespective of the irregularity of attacks vs the opportunity available for attacks , sharks do eat humans . The politically driven consensus to refer to shark attacks as shark bites, as a means to contain the narrative , is also problematic for the impartiality of science.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/study-shows-surprising-d...
Udo mentioned this one yesterday at Double Island point. 2.30 min and it gives an inflatable a nudge and gives a fairly good indication of size.
https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSGoldCoast/videos/262234564871957/
Phark swimming back to that dinghy!
You have probably seen this video but if not it shows a Hammerhead in a very agitated state attacking a kayak fisherman repeatedly. There is no mistaken identity possibility. I think it is just very hungry and can "taste" fish. It moves very fast. All the computer bound scientist statements of humans low fat content and mistaken identity go out the window if a shark gets revved up like that.
yummy yellow
Wow, that's weird! I've done a bit of diving (no expert) and whenever I see a hammerhead they instantly bugger off unless they are in a large group. I really enjoy and appreciate seeing large hammerhead schools because you can get a lot closer to them and see their true beauty. like most animals they can be unpredictable at times, yet the joy I get from the ocean typically silences any related risks to the sport.
Rest In Peace Rob very sad and unfortunate event.
Love from your fellow watermen brothers...
Strange behaviour for a hammerhead. I think they rely on scent a lot more than the Whites, so maybe the fisho had spilt some burley or blood on the side of the kayak.
Agree, good rational Distracted!
A bit of mixing up the behaviour in above comments from what I understand and have been told.
Once a shark is switched on for what ever reason the targets calorific value is not in the picture seen enough sharks chewing on outboard motor legs to know this.
Age of the white counts older the white the more risk adverse and longer the stalk.
The sharks mouth size is important as its helps determine the prey.
The calorific value part is for repeat offenders risk / reward gained, a human leg is pretty bony / sinewy piece of meat not a lot of reward for the risk.
Here in WA not aware of repeat offenders, on any sunny day there is a smorgasbord of meals floating around in wetsuits.
One point is we do seem to get the odd multiple attacks within a week or so take care everyone.
Biting on boat engines seems to be more just curiosity.
You dont really see sharks charge an engine with intent , more just mosey up and mouth them.
Yeah good point Blowin although have seen them get a bit tense at times.
Pain in the nuts fishing in the NW when one turns up no matter what size just have to pull the pick and move if you want any more fish.
Quite a few of the WA attacks have involved more than one shark, hunting in pairs it seems so if one spotted, then bound to be a few more in the vicinity, multiple attacks theory.
Population numbers still unknown and just educated/un-educated guesses. Plenty have been tagged recently along WA South and South East coasts. That seems to be the problem, lack of tagging effort. put the baits out and you'll get them as being proven. Shame the Margs baits are incorrect, half a mullet or salmon is not going to get a GWS, need to learn from NSW, use stingrays and other larger baits. WA drumline/release program set up to fail from the beginning, save the tourism numbers it seems.
RIP to the fella, forever surfing
Think the testing guys always use Tuna
I don’t like the shark netting or drum lines but in this instance if the shark was hanging around would have been a good opportunity to take it out. Curious if they issue a kill order how the water cops could have killed it? Or do they wait for fisheries to rock up with a drum line?
firearm.
Surprised they didn’t have a crack then, looked very close to surface.
Something happening at D'Bah?
i heard from TV news interview of Surf Lifesaving Duty Officer at scene of attack that all Tweed Shire beaches are closed because of yesterday ?
Buggar. Anything on the cams?
Just a near-shore sweep by the looks of the Replay.
https://www.swellnet.com/surfcams/duranbah/replays#/2020-06-08/825957
i note they couldn't enforce the no drop-ins rule though, great one (drop in) in front of the boat at about 3 mins in,,,
Wow Ben, that photo / vid is a sign of the times.
NSW Police Vessel + Jet Ski enter from Qld Waters...Why?
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1484040
Some talk that boat is too big for Tweed Estuary?
See Police crew have trouble standing in swell lines.
Vessel is over the top for surf zone (Show of strength!)
Clubbies are light on the ground in these waters.
Surfers on shore wanting to hit line-up were very afraid.
If you examine post sweep, the line-up did move closer to shore.
Ben & others here discussed NSW beach policing of late.
DPI + BOM were already Policing closures pre Corona.
2015 > NSW Police started instructing Surfers from [Beach Closed]
2019 Mayors & other leaders were calling to fine surfers.
This is exactly what a post corona Shark Patrol should like in NSW.
Should one surfer paddle out too far... the whole crew comes ashore!
Note: All Tweed beaches, including D'bah are closed & policed.
Love to hear more from those on the front line.
Dutto's Gromz overboard caper...is a bit much!
https://m.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/vigilant-on-the-water/2177263/
Tweed Coast eerily quiet as expected. Spots that are usually crowded (and currently have a fun wave) are deserted. Still a very off vibe in the air.
Hope the crew involved have the support they need today.
Has anyone heard results of any further aerial surveillance today?
large shark spotted at fingal this morning..
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-08/shark-attack-kingscliff-beaches-c...
Nice piece over on the Grit Freeride..
I’d be interested to hear the thoughts of our Leba friends.
For those who lived and surfed through that torrid period (2014-2016), how did your surfing habits change during this time? Was this sustained or back to normal in recent times?
Habits changed early on after the first few. Back to normal in recent times. Only ongoing change would be less people paddling across the river.
Kayak fishing dude apparently hooked a 3.5m GWS at Kingy reef on Saturday:
Just caught up reading the story, big shout out to the guys who brought him in, courageous act and should be recognised.
Tragic outcome and heavy going for those involved, if you know them get them talking about it and listen its their story and hopefully they can work their way through it.
What a horrible way to go. RIP to old mate, and to the blokes who paddled him in, may you never have to buy a beer again.
Shocking for all involved, family, mates...
Couldn't agree more with LB comments from Grit.
Thanks Sheepdog & Bluediamond for applying some intelligence to a list of considerations that could be applied to the go/nogo decision. I think this is a list we should debate and attempt to derive some consensus on. For example TBB points out local considerations need to be taken into account.
Not all "surfers" are as experienced as many of this forums users. Some guidance that could be incorporated into water safety programs schools, surf schools etc could perhaps save lives.
It is, I believe, a useful contribution, and a positive reaction to another tragedy in our community. It is not disrespectful, it is sensible to attempt at prevention.
Let us attempt some further rationality. WE are not more likely to die of a bee sting, or some other b.s. "statistic". Perhaps like you, I knew someone who was killed by a shark while surfing, and I know people who knew others who have died in the same terrible manner. The destruction of one animal, one that poses an obvious threat, is a world away from threatening the survival of a species.
Please remember that we Australians kill turtles, dugongs, wombats & kangaroos.
We kill millions of fish (many for sport) sheep, pigs and cattle. We kill insect without a second thought. We are about to shoot 3000 brumbies. To allow an individual dangerous shark to continue to threaten our children surfing in relatively small sections of high population coast line (?Noosa to Ballina?, Sydney & Central Coast?) is, I believe, irrational and stupid. Cheers brothers & sisters.
It is important to keep the risk of a shark attack in perspective. On average, 87 people drown at Australian beaches each year (SLSA 2010), yet there have been, on average, only 1.1 fatalities per year from shark attack over the past two decades. It is clear that the risk of being bitten or dying from an unprovoked shark attack in Australia remains extremely low.
Download a copy here: www.surfingguidetosharks.com
Seriously, no disrespect to Madison Stewart, who is making a career out of being some kind of shark girl, but that guide is close to pure horseshit.
This , for eg "However, the bait balls in Ballina at the time of the frequent shark attacks were made up of the blue pilchard." is just pure made up fantasy.
Bait of various species is always transiting through the northern NSW /SEQLD region.
She has no fucking clue what species those bait balls were.
Sean has written a piece about the fella here. A classic lifelong surfer, who let surfing be the center of his life. I've always admired these blokes. Big love to all who knew him.
https://www.coastalwatch.com/surfing/26050/sean-doherty-tweed-coast-shar...
Very thoughtful piece on BG FR76. Cheers.
"What makes a looker, into a circler, into a bumper then a biter we don’t know."
Could it be the simple fact that at times they are opportunistic hunters and/or simply hunting at the time of the interaction (shark is hungry then detects surfer in the water)? GWS *(attacks) are pretty rare in Australia which would indicate that way more often than not they prefer hunting other food sources.
Sometimes I think the various theories regarding GWS attacks on humans are given so much complex analysis that they almost demand a complex set of reasonings.
Maybe the reason/s are actually more simple than we realise.
* Edit. Sorry, I meant GWS "attacks" are pretty rare. I agree that it appears there numbers would indicate that they are not rare in Australian waters.
I agree.
Opportunistic, apex, ambush predator.
likes to hunt inshore in the surf zone.
I disagree they are rare though, at least around here.
Yeah wouldn't have associated GWS as rare in Australia, especially if you talk to local fisherman.
Has there been anything noticeably different (other than your usual winter marine life patterns) down your way recently FR?
Interesting just read the latest study on (mostly juvenile) sharks nutritional habits.
No surprise, juvey whites love Australian salmon.
Nutritional composition of prey: protein , around 20% , lipid (fat) around 5.7 %.
Humans, even very skinny ones, would have body fat around 10%. Most adult males around 15-25%.
so much for the theory we are too bony and not fatty enough to worry about.
Also note most attacks that have happened on North Coast seem to be upper thigh/buttock area, one of the more fleshy areas on our bodies. Whether this is intentional for the protein and fat you listed above, or because it's the side they can sneak up from is another question.
Edit: just read Apes comment below and that throws another consideration into the mix. I've wondered if they're actually that highly sophisticated that they can pinpoint an area like that. Wouldn't surprise me with all that lateral line and Ampulae of Lorenzini shenanigans they have going on....basically they have 7 senses.
Interesting thoughts blue diamond. I have put a bit of thought into this recently. Even an average "tasting bite" from a juvenile white or bully in the thigh area ends up being fatal when the femoral artery is severed. I see a bit of shark hunting behaviour while spearfishing and they do like to initially hit the rear of their prey, presumably to disable the prey easily with minimal effort and risk of injury. A paddling surfer getting hit in that rear 1/3 results in a fatal thigh bite. A sitting surfer, the only fleshy bit the shark could hit is that buttock/thigh area, resulting in a fatal thigh bite. I never considered your theory of their ampullae of lorenzini targeting a fat rich area, I know the scientists say how smart whites are but I consider them big dumb biting machines that are kinda smart only in a self preservation apex hunter kinda way.
Not really Solitude. Very standard pattern since Feb I reckon.
That sucks.... RIP dude.
I used to complain to my dad about having to paddle over those gutters or swim-in when my legrope broke. Always been sharky. The Salt development brought so many new folks to the area that may not be totally aware about shark safety. Whale migration at the moment as well...
Sharks seem to have hunting humans down to a tee: go for the artery in the leg, wait for human to bleed-out. Thy / Leg gives off electric field because of all the muscle, therefor sharky knows exactly where to bite??
Why did they let the killer off scot-free?
The poor bloke was a seasoned surfer and just so incredibly unlucky. If you're a surfer or swimmer on the north coast the reason you're still here is because you haven't been incredibly unlucky.
Whales here for months on end, creeks bursting in the other season - The sun comes up and goes down at those pesky times of day before and after work... so when / where are you surfing?
The fella was just doing his thing on a gorgeous crystal clear morning, no need to imply he or anybody else around here is unaware
RIP Mate. Nice story on CW sounds like he lived a great life with more waves/places than most, terrible way to go.
Copper on the boat should of killed it while they had the chance there and then.
Has anyone looked into whether this shark was already tagged and the one in the area that pinged the day or so prior?
Love to better understand the shark smart/dorsal stats. We see a few areas regularly show a gw. Is it the same gw, or many. Are they passing or hanging around. Have certain individuals been in an area around an encounter or attack?
Think we could get something out of that information.
I believe the shark wasn't tagged , or pinged by a nearby listening station.
Condolences to ol’ mate’s family & friends.
I was the closest surfer - maybe 25m away - to a bloke whose board was bitten at Lennox in 2016. I also saw a huge GWS swim through the line-up there the year before. Both experiences were terrifying. I am in awe of the bravery the other surfers displayed in trying to save Rob.
Probably stating the obvious, but if you or your mate is bitten on a limb, apply as much pressure as practicable using a leggy or rashie above the bite site (tourniquet if needed) & gtfo of the water asap. If your femoral artery is opened, you have a couple of minutes at best. I’m not a Dr, but my wife is an Emergency doctor.
@FR
"so much for the theory we are too bony and not fatty enough to worry about."
Most attacks on the East Coast are limbs, kills your numbers surely?
I'm not really advancing a theory, just disproving a current one.
That sharks are only interested in high calorific prey and thus humans are of no interest.
Now we know juvey/sub-adults are highly focussed on much less fatty prey items and thus humans are very much checked out.
There's now overwhelming anecdotal, drone and observational evidence for that.
Obviously we aren't a main prey item but as generalist predator they are quite prepared to investigate us.
Whether they have the capability of focusing on the biggest muscles in the body (legs and butt) because they emit the most electrical signals, or it's just pure opportunism because those are the bits dangling down I don't know.
I tend to think that the attacks on humans are generally the lower limbs or thighs first, which is the classic fish/shark attack zone.
They immobilise the prey first, be it another fish or mammal by taking away its swimming ability then attack again when they believe the prey is unable to get away or fight back.
Most ocean living creatures of course can’t get away and many mammals either but humans have the ability to escape with help of others or on their boards plus fight back, which gives them a lot more chance of survival.
The other misconception as FR knows is the dawn and dust scenario........all the attacks around Ballina area, bar Sam, were mid morning or early afternoon in relatively clean water which makes me think whites mainly hunt by sight.
Hopefully this latest attack isn’t the start of a new spike on the FNC.
"I'm not really advancing a theory, just disproving a current one.
That sharks are only interested in high calorific prey and thus humans are of no interest."
To be honest FR I hadn't heard that one, it doesn't make sense as the white wont know until a bite is made.
Have only heard the theory of a white not repeating an attack due to the poor return which is possibly the case thankfully.
As to where the bite is the attacks over here (WA) of 5m whites are often around the torso and no body found afterwards small whites in the 2.5 to 3m size are always limbs which points some what to mouth size is a determinate.
For those in the know, do the 'smart drumlines' appear to hook up any by-product? Also how many sharks are hooked and die as they haven't been able to be released in time (ie. periods of big swell etc)
I've been keeping a close eye on the NSW Shark Smart Instagram over the past year or so, and I think I recall them saying at some stage that smart drumlines are only active during daylight hours. They put them out in the morning on sunrise and pick them up at sunset. As a consequence, they don't get dropped during periods of very large swell where there would be a compromise to the safety of the contractors or inability to release whatever has been caught.
Here's a post that provides some details:
I cant comment on collateral damage to other marine life though, sorry.
Gear is normally set between 7-8 here and pulled by 4pm.
Very, very little by catch.
The gear can't be baited and set unless the contractor is able to get out the bar.
so like today, no drums set. no sharks caught.
Firstly, RIP to the surfer who was doing what he loved. If it was a dog it would have been put down and the same should apply. It's also time to remove the white shark protection laws in this country and let things be, decades of protection has swung the balance the other way.
A doco I watched showed shark reactions to the stimuli of a handspear being released underwater over the other side of a reef from where some sharks were hanging in cruise mode. The results:
1. Shot just into the open water - sharks sensed the movement and started swimming faster.
2. Shot into the rock reef - sharks sensed the movement, sound and started swimming even faster and came over the reef peak for a look.
3. Shot into a fish with a clean kill shot - sensed noise as much more interesting that 1 and 2. Sharks became quite excited, headed over the reef in a hurry towards the diver and started to circle.
Of the above, 3 was no surprise, 2 was interesting to note and a bit surprising but 1 was an eye opener in how small a stimuli could be detected and how much it affected their behaviour.
The lesson for surfers in a sharky area? It is not just where or when you surf. It can be the inadvertent signals you give off that rev up a nearby shark.
Paddle smoothly, never kick your feet hard into a wave, don't do big flying exit bomb splashes into the channel, try not to wee. Maybe airs onto the flats are not such a good idea. Stay under the Doona.
RIP and thoughts to his friends and loved ones. Hope the guys who ripped in to help him out are ok, as no doubt they'll be dealing with this long after the headlines fade.
The fact that shark hung around for so long after the attack, with boats and jet skis buzzing it, blows my mind.
Like cage diving only more direct, there's another shark roaming with an association established between humans and target food. He clearly didn't mind the taste as he was keen for more.
Tough one, but for mine, that's a shark that should have been taken out.
Sharks, predators that travel vast distances in search of food. As has been witnessed many times by many people sharks are not fussy what they consume. Many sharks have consumed many humans from sinking boats / war ships in the past.
I am continually amused by the theories expressed on these forums on how sharks think. These theories are peoples opinions based on how humans (themselves) think which is quite laughable.
Many predators play with their pray during the killing stage as they prepare the prey for eating. I have witnessed birds, domestic and feral cats, dogs,seals, to name a few and some people that a spent a life on the oceans have witnessed thrill killings by sharks.
A fisherman described a situation that he watched unfold before him at seal rocks, Vic. when a very large white caught and consumed a seal and then regurgitated it. The shark then caught another seal, consumed it and regurgitated it.
Over the next hour or so the shark repeated this another 4 times!!!
Is this thrill killing or just practice?
Coffs Harbour while passing through I spoke to an elderly couple that told me about one day walking their dog along the beach on the waters edge.Their dog was running in and out of the water and right before them in the shallows a shark grabbed the dog and both disappeared.
Sharks are fussy eaters, I don't think so.
Big sharks over 4.5 m can and will consume anything and the Seal Rocks shark which was just under 20 ft.(6.0m) will bight and swallow anything.
The pro fishing community are seeing unprecedented numbers of juvenile whites 2.5 to 3m long. When they grow to 4.0m to 6.0m the numbers will be staggering if 100% protection continues.
Sharks swim large distances in the simple pursuit of food.
Contributors should stick to the facts, not speculate on believing they can delve into the mind of sharks.
Well written Oceans11 and sums my thoughts up exactly, particularly around what people say a shark must or must not be thinking!!!
"I am continually amused by the theories expressed on these forums on how sharks think. These theories are peoples opinions based on how humans (themselves) think which is quite laughable."
I would put "thrill killing" into that category. After all....
"Contributors should stick to the facts, not speculate on believing they can delve into the mind of sharks."
Nailed it Rabbit
Rabbits,
The facts were put to me by a fisherman and he made the suggestion to me that the sharks actions could be described as " thrill killings"
I then went on to ask the question ....Is this thrill killing or practice ?
Their is no claim by me on the sharks thinking, just pointing out others observations.
You are welcome to draw your own conclusions.
All good mate. When referring to wild animals, the term "thrill killing" sounds like a human construct to me thats all (might be a thing but would be hard to prove I suppose. Sounds more like practice as suggested). That is a great story by the way and to have seen it first hand would've been amazing.
Rob's Memorial Paddle Out > (Kingscliff) this weekend has been [POSTPONED]
https://failover.coastalwatch.com/surfing/26050/sean-doherty-tweed-coast...
Due to border issues...the Paddle Out will take place after restrictions are lifted.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/398510356994590/747600372085585/
{Footnote}: Tugun / Dune St ...Paddle Out!
It seems this may be a Locals / Family affair!
News has gone silent ... as weekend approaches!
A mate was just surfing the point here in Kingy this morning (Fri) and everyone got sent in by the shark siren. Apparently a tagged great white pinged the buoy here, so the surf club raised the alarm. Fark was just contemplating getting back in the water this weekend too.
Steve I understand a rather large grey suit man chased a few locals out of the water down your way yesterday?