A foil board rider experienced a heart-stopping encounter with a white shark off the coast of Prevelly in Western Australia's South West region, prompting urgent safety warnings from authorities.
The Terrifying Incident Unfolds
The dramatic event occurred around 1:30 PM on Tuesday when the shark bit the foil board, causing the rider to tumble into the ocean waters. The incident took place approximately 400 metres offshore from the popular Prevelly beach, a location known for its surfing conditions and coastal beauty.
According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the foil board rider managed to escape serious injury and made it safely back to shore. The quick-thinking individual immediately reported the encounter to authorities, triggering an official response.
Immediate Response and Beach Closures
Surf Life Saving WA swiftly reacted to the incident by closing multiple beaches in the area as a precautionary measure. The closures affected Prevelly, River Mouth, and Gnarabup beaches, with warning signs prominently displayed to alert beachgoers of the potential danger.
An urgent shark alert was issued following the confirmed sighting, advising people to avoid the water in these locations. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed the shark involved was a white shark, though its exact size remains unspecified.
Authorities have deployed additional resources to monitor the situation, including surveillance along the coastline to track the shark's movements and ensure public safety.
Safety Recommendations and Ongoing Monitoring
Water users in the Margaret River region are being urged to exercise extreme caution and adhere to several important safety measures. Beachgoers should swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and avoid swimming during dusk, dawn, or night hours when shark activity typically increases.
Additional recommendations include avoiding areas with schools of fish, seal colonies, or where wildlife is actively feeding. Surfers and board riders are particularly advised to remain vigilant and maintain awareness of their surroundings while in the water.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of beach safety protocols in Western Australian waters, where shark encounters, while rare, can occur without warning.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available about the shark's location and movements along the coastline.
