Incident Report
Wobbegong Bite During Diving in Western Australia, December 1989
capes area, cape naturaliste to cape leeuwin, Western Australia·Australia
A male diver sustained teeth mark injuries to his arm and hand from a wobbegong while diving in the capes area between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia in December 1989.
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Incident Profile
Individual
Location
Description
In December 1989, a diving incident occurred in the capes area of Western Australia, specifically in the waters between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. A male diver was bitten by a wobbegong, a bottom-dwelling carpet shark species common to Australian coastal waters. The shark inflicted teeth mark injuries to the diver's arm and hand during the encounter. The incident resulted in non-fatal injuries. Wobbegongs are generally docile benthic sharks that typically avoid contact with humans; however, they will defend themselves if disturbed or threatened in their habitat. This incident highlights the importance of awareness when diving in coastal areas where these species are present.