A shark has been spotted near Sellicks Beach in South Australia, following a recent attack on a swimmer at Port Noarlunga. The incident occurred when Richard Vinall, a man in his 60s, was bitten on the thigh while swimming near the jetty. He was rescued and is currently in a critical but stable condition at Flinders Medical Centre.
The shark sighting has led to renewed warnings for beachgoers to take extra precautions when swimming. Damien Marangon from Surf Life Saving SA noted a concerning rise in shark attacks in recent years, indicating that there has been an increase in such dangerous encounters. He praised the swift response from the Surf Life Saving team and the community during the incident.
The spike in shark activity coincides with a significant algae bloom, reportedly the largest in South Australia’s history, which may be affecting marine life and attracting sharks closer to the shore. In light of these developments, government-operated shark patrols have been extended until May 25 to bolster safety measures in local waters. Additionally, Surf Life Saving SA is exploring new safety options, including live tracking systems and enhanced coastal camera networks to improve surveillance and protect beachgoers.