Swimmer, 68, is fighting for life after being mauled by a shark during an evening dip
An elderly man is left fighting for life after being attacked by a shark at Lake Macquarie in New South Wales during an evening swim.
The 68-year-old was bitten on his arm and suffered severe lacerations after entering the water at Yarrawonga Park as the sun went down.
Five ambulance crews arrived at the scene at about 6:30pm on Saturday, along with a rescue helicopter that air-lifted the man to John Hunter Hospital.
‘When you get a call to attend a shark attack, you never really know the full extent of the injuries until you get on scene,’ NSW Ambulance Inspector Grahame Rathbone said.
‘He was conscious and alert while receiving treatment from paramedics at the scene.’
Mr Rathbone said others wading in the water nearby offered the man assistance and likely saved his life.
‘Bystanders did a great job applying a makeshift tourniquet before paramedic crews arrived,’ he said.
‘This was potentially lifesaving for the patient.’
More to come.