Firefighter survives shark attack that severed his leg near Geraldton
Mel Ismail survived a shark attack at Glenfield Beach near Geraldton that severed his leg just below the knee.
Mel Ismail was surfing at Glenfield Beach, about 400 kilometres north of Perth, when a shark attacked him on the morning of 14 September. Ismail says he felt something grab him underwater and drag him down, and came face to face with the shark mid-attack.
Ismail saw its eye and just tried to push it away with his fingers. The shark severed his leg just below the knee and Ismail managed to catch a wave toward shore.
A man named Shannan Dunn saw him from the beach and raced into the water to help. Rick crafted a tourniquet using a leg rope.
Paramedics Ismail had worked with as a firefighter arrived and took him to hospital. He remained in high spirits and plans to return to the water.
The shark species has not yet been identified.
- Glenfield Beach near Geraldton
- Location
- September 14
- Date of attack
- 400 kilometres north
- Distance from Perth
- Leg severed below the knee
- Injury
Why it mattersA quick response from nearby beachgoers and trained paramedics saved Ismail's life after a severe injury.
AustraliaThe attack is part of a rise in shark incidents at WA beaches; survivors like Ismail challenge perceptions of who shark attack affects.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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