Shark attacks are rare, but when they happen, they can be terrifying – and sometimes, completely accidental.
In a dramatic incident, a surfer was bitten twice after a seal used him as a decoy while fleeing a predatory bronze whaler shark (also known as a copper shark).
Despite the ordeal, the man survived and is recovering.
The incident occurred offshore from Kangaroo Island, South Australia, at a surf break known as The Sewer.
Lee Berryman, 57, a local tour guide and experienced surfer, was catching waves at D’Estrees Bay when a large bronze whaler shark lunged at his board, sinking its teeth into his calf.
Eyewitnesses said the shark had been chasing young seals in the bay just moments before the attack.
According to reports, one seal deliberately used Berryman as a “human shield,” putting him in the shark’s path.
Dramatic footage captured the shark thrashing violently behind him and dragging him underwater by the leg.
Double shark bite leaves 50 stitches
Despite the harrowing experience, Berryman managed to paddle to shore, where a fellow surfer and former doctor helped him reach the hospital.
Doctors treated deep wounds that required 50 stitches in total.
Craig Wickham, owner of Exceptional Kangaroo Island, noted that Berryman was in good spirits. “We knew pretty much straight away that he was OK, which is good,” Berryman said.
Shark Watch SA meanwhile confirmed that the surfer was “recovering with 50 stitches.”
Shark encounters at The Sewer are not uncommon. In 2020, another surfer, Dion Lynch, was attacked at the same beach and suffered serious injuries to his back and thighs.
Authorities have urged caution, although the beach remains open.
Coroners confirm kitesurfer Graham Howes killed by WHALE collision
In related news, authorities have confirmed that South African kitesurfer Graham Howes died in a freak accident involving a whale.
The incident happened off Bloubergstrand on Sunday, 7 September. Read more on that story here.
