Remember when we said that our coasts would see increased shark activity (HERE), with the NSRI sending out a warning?

Well they weren’t wrong, especially if you talk to 14-year-old Dylan Puttergill. He was bitten whilst surfing off the Wild Coast last week, close to a place called The Haven.

The shark in question, around 2,5 metres in length, bit into his leg and left a 40cm half-circle of toothmarks.

Here’s Dylan talking to ZigZag:

Despite surface-to-bottom visibility in cool water on a perfect, partially clouded day, Dylan said he did not see the apex predator shooting up from below and smashing into him torpedo-style. “I was boosted into the air and my board shot out sideways.”

“It was so fast, but it let go immediately. I saw it from the side and it was about 80cm from the top of its fin to its belly. It was grey on top and white below. My dad thinks it was a Zambezi.” Said Dylan. “I was completely shocked. I slowly paddled 50m to shore, looking behind me but I never saw it again.”

“I ran my hand down my leg and felt this massive lump and saw the holes in my wet suit. As soon as I got to land and tried to stand up all the blood ran out over my foot.”

Dylan was airlifted to Beacon Bay, where he underwent surgery. It turns out the youngster and his family were clued up about that increased shark activity:

The family were told there had been a lot of sardine-related activity in the area and Dylan and co. have electronic shark protection devices, but only use them at a “sharky spot” a few kilometres up the coast.

Dylan said he did not like wearing the device because he could “feel the shocks” in his leg.

Everyone’s just glad you came out the other side OK mate, but let this be a reminder to all that the ocean’s apex predators are out and about at present.

[source:zigzag]