Two teenagers were hospitalized following a suspected shark attack on Victoria's coast in south-eastern Australia, local media reported on Tuesday.
A Vic Emergency alert said that a "shark incident" was reported at Ocean Grove, a seaside town in Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula, at 7:20 pm (08:20 GMT) on Monday.
"The shark has been sighted close to shore. Within 500m of the beach," the alert said.
The two teens, reportedly a boy and a girl, were in "stable condition" in Geelong hospital, some 75 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, after being rescued by "heroic bystanders," Christine Ahern of the Today show tweeted on Tuesday morning.
Peter Hobbs told The Today Show that he was in the water with his family when they noticed some commotion nearby.
"We just initially thought the two teenagers were playing, and before long they started yelling out that they'd been bitten by a shark, we were still in a state of disbelief, but went into action [mode]," he said.
Dianne Hobbs, a former trauma nurse, told the programme that they initially were able to tourniquet the girl's leg and slow the bleeding with towels.
"She had a large bite mark to her right lower leg, below knee," Dianne Hobbs said, adding that her right hand was also injured while the man sustained an injury to his lower back.
Off duty lifesavers also assisted with the rescue, the couple said.
The beach was closed until further notice.
"Lifesavers have erected a beach closure sign, and we ask people to avoid the area until further notice," Life-Saving Victoria said in a statement, according to the AAP news agency.
"It's important to remember sharks are a normal part of the marine environment and attacks like tonight's are rare, so you should be alert but not alarmed."
Latest Stories
-
Alan promises to amend the Constitution to limit presidential powers
7 mins -
Ghana to face liquidity pressures in 2025, 2026 despite restructuring most of its debt – Fitch
9 mins -
NPP’s record of delivering on promises is unmatched – Bawumia
11 mins -
Mahama: It’s time to dismiss the incompetent NPP government
13 mins -
Today’s front pages: Monday, November 25, 2024
27 mins -
T-bill auction: Government misses target again; interest rates continue to rise
29 mins -
We have a bad technical team; Otto Addo and his team should go – Ernest Thompson
2 hours -
Hindsight: Why Accra Lions’ present problems do not define them
2 hours -
10-year-old Lisa Laryea arrives at Wits Donald Gordon Hospital in South Africa for bone marrow transplant
3 hours -
23 ambassadors inducted to take on 2025 GSTEP Challenge in three regions
3 hours -
Ghana Shea Workers Union inaugurated
3 hours -
Microsoft 365 under attack – how to bulletproof your business against cyber threats
3 hours -
I trust Bawumia; he has never lied to me – Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
Bawumia is hardworking; offers the youth platform to share ideas – Kow Essuman
3 hours -
IGP, Police commanders worship with churches in Ghana as part of security arrangements for 2024 elections
4 hours