Surfer goes missing after shark attack in Australia

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - A surfer went missing after being attacked by a shark in Australia on Friday.

While the surfboard has been recovered, the surfer is yet to be located, Australian daily Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The incident happened at Kelp Beds surf break at an Esperance beach in Western Australia’s southern beach.

The regional government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed in a statement that it is investigating a “possible shark bite” incident at Kelp Beds.

Local police and ambulance service have confirmed the surfer, an adult, is missing after the shark attack.

Police said four boats have been put into service to search for the man. The beach has been closed.

The Esperance beach is located in Cape Le Grand National Park which is currently closed.

In 2017, a 17-year-old surfer Laeticia Brouwer died after being mauled by a shark.

Another surfer, Sean Pollard, lost one of his arms in a shark attack at the same site in 2014.

Earlier, Australia had gradually started opening beaches as the country moved past COVID-19 pandemic.

The government had closed beaches and outdoor activities to stem the spread of the deadly infection but now restrictions have been eased.

Australia reported 24 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the national toll to 27,229. Over 24,641 patients have recovered from the illness, while 897 people have died.