Great White Shark Bites Surfer at Booti Booti National Park

On December 1, 2017, a 62-year-old surfer encountered a great white shark while surfing at Bulls Paddock near Seven Mile Beach in Booti Booti National Park, New South Wales, Australia. The attack occurred around 10:00 a.m. local time at a popular surfing spot on the southern end of the beach. The shark, estimated between 2.5 and 3.5 metres in length, attacked without warning, pulling the surfer underwater by his leg rope. The encounter resulted in severe injuries including degloved tissue on the right arm, torn ligaments in both shoulders, cartilage damage to both knees, pelvis displacement, and a severely lacerated foot requiring 32 stitches. During the attack, the shark inflicted substantial damage to the surfer's board, breaking it in half with a prominent bite mark. The surfer managed to kick free and surface, where a nearby surfer provided assistance by pulling him onto his board and swimming him to shore. Emergency services responded rapidly, with a Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter transporting the victim to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. He arrived in stable condition and underwent surgery for his injuries. Marine scientists noted the surfer was "incredibly lucky," as the bite pattern suggested exploratory rather than predatory behavior—typical of great white sharks investigating unfamiliar objects. Following the incident, authorities immediately closed Four Mile Beach, Boomerang Beach, Elizabeth Beach, and the attack site. The beaches were reopened at midday on Friday after drum lines were deployed in the area as a precautionary measure.