Young Bodyboarder Bitten at Cape Burney Beach, Western Australia

On Sunday, December 1, 2024, a 12-year-old male bodyboarder was bitten by a shark while participating in a surfing academy session at Greenough River Mouth Beach, Cape Burney, approximately 12 kilometres south of Geraldton, Western Australia. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. in the Indian Ocean. According to reports, the young surfer inadvertently stepped on a shark estimated at roughly one metre in length. The shark, startled by contact, wriggled beneath his feet before biting him on the inner right thigh. The victim managed to exit the water and reach shore. Responding quickly, friends' parents drove the youth to meet his father, who transported him to Geraldton Health Campus for medical evaluation and treatment. He sustained minor injuries to his inner right thigh and was treated and discharged the same day. He did not require stitches or surgical intervention. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) coordinated the official response. City of Greater Geraldton rangers closed Greenough River Mouth Beach for the remainder of December 1 as a precautionary measure. The beach was reopened on the morning of Monday, December 2, with advisories issued to swimmers and water users to exercise additional caution in the area. The shark species involved in the incident remained unconfirmed. This incident is classified as unprovoked, as the shark appeared to react defensively to the accidental contact rather than to aggressive pursuit of prey.