Surfer loses both hands in shark attack in Australia
A man is in hospital after losing both hands in a shark attack while surfing off the coastal town of Esperance in Western Australia, 700km south east of Perth.
Sean Pollard, 23, an electrician from Bunbury, was flown to Perth in a Royal Flying Doctor Service jet after losing one arm up to the elbow and his other hand in the attack at Wylie Bay Beach.
He also suffered serious lacerations to his leg.
#WA man has lost both arms after #shark attack at #Esperance Beach. #FlyingDoctor are evacuating patient to Perth for treatment.
- Royal Flying Doctor (@RoyalFlyingDoc) October 2, 2014
Fisheries officers killed a four-metre shark which was seen in the area after a "shoot and kill" order was issued after the attack.
According to The Australian, Esperance shire president Malcolm Heasman said the "holidaymaker" was being watched from the beach by his girlfriend, Claire Oakford, when he was attacked at about 11am.
He said:: "He's lost from the elbow down on his one arm and he's either lost or its been severely savaged, his wrist on the other arm.
"He's had severe lacerations on his leg."
He added: "He was assisted from the water by another surfer who was there who saw the incident happen and obviously ran to assist.
"He got onto the Wylie Bay car park and fortunately there was an off-duty ambulance officer from Albany who was available and rendered some first aid which I'm sure has greatly contributed to the man's comfort and maybe his health as well."
Wylie Bay Beach is accessible only by four-wheel drive and is a popular spot for surfing.
According to news.com.au, WA has seen seven fatal shark attacks in three years.
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