Bombie Surfing Spot: Shark attack victim touches down in Perth after being bitten on foot

A surfer who managed to get himself to a local hospital after he was bitten by a shark on the foot has touched down in Perth with a smile on his face.

A man, aged in his late 20s, will stay at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital on Sunday night after he was bitten by a shark at the Bombie Surfing Spot near Exmouth around 12.30pm on Saturday.

A St John WA spokeswoman said paramedics were not called to respond to the incident and WA Police were first alerted after the man drove himself to Exmouth Hospital.

7NEWS captured the moment the victim was rolled through Perth Airport in a wheelchair, with his left foot heavily bandaged.

“Yeah, I’m perfect, I’m doing well,” he said.

The man — reported to be a tourist — managed to stand before being taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in a taxi.

The severity of the man’s wound did not warrant an emergency Royal Flying Doctor Service flight, instead, he was flown down to Perth through a commercial airline.

He underwent surgery for his injuries on Sunday and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is continuing to investigate the incident — with people urged to take additional caution at the surfing spot.

Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the State Government would continue to promote WA to international arrivals despite fears of more shark attacks.

“We continue to make sure the people are aware of the dangers, but in particular, that we continue to promote WA as an incredible place to visit,” she said.

Conditions were sunny with a high of 33C in Exmouth on Saturday, with a local surfer telling The West Australian that it was a surprise to hear of an attack at the popular spot, but it was “all part of the game”.

The surf break on the North West Cape, about 19km from Exmouth, is known for its clean, surfable and consistent waves.

In April 2020, Exmouth’s Lighthouse Bay was temporarily closed after a surfer had his board nudged by a 2.5 metre shark at Dunes surfing beach. He was not hurt during the incident.

The latest incident comes after an international tourist was bitten by a shark near Jurien Bay during a sea lion tour on February 26.

The 2m tiger shark attacked the woman on the leg before the RFDS flew her to Royal Perth Hospital for emergency surgery.

Kane Krollig, captain of the Turquoise Safaris vessel which carried out the tour, said he and the crew were watching over the tour group when he heard a “lady screaming”.

“I looked, I saw blood and gave the signal for the crew to round everyone up,” he said, adding he did not see the shark.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.