Surfer Bitten on Lower Leg at Trigg Beach, Perth

On the evening of Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at approximately 5:30–5:35 pm, a 41-year-old surfer was bitten on the lower left leg while surfing at Trigg Beach in the City of Stirling, Perth metropolitan area. The incident occurred in the Indian Ocean during an unprovoked encounter with a shark of unknown species, which authorities believed to be relatively small based on available information. The surfer reported that he was preparing to take what would have been his final wave of the session on an overcast afternoon. After duck-diving a set of incoming waves, a shark briefly latched onto his lower left leg before releasing. The surfer quickly paddled back to shore on his board and informed a nearby beachgoer of the incident. The victim self-transported to the hospital where he received prompt medical attention. Emergency department staff fast-tracked him through the facility, conducted an X-ray examination that revealed a shark tooth embedded in the tissue, cleaned and disinfected the wounds, administered prophylactic antibiotics, and discharged him for home recovery. The injuries were characterized as puncture wounds with a fragment of shark tooth remaining in the leg. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) coordinated the official response to the incident. Authorities issued public alerts noting that the shark species remained unidentified and was likely small in size. A shark of unknown species was reportedly sighted nearshore around the time of the incident. Following the encounter, officials urged beachgoers to observe all warning signage and exercise heightened caution at Trigg Beach.