Snorkeler Bitten by Dusky Shark in Lake Illawarra Lagoon

The attack occurred in a large coastal lagoon (Lake Illawarra) rather than open ocean — a rare inland/estuarine setting — and was scientifically documented by Dr. Vic Peddemors, who used tooth-mark analysis to identify a 2–2.2 m dusky shark that made at least three biting passes, inflicting 40 puncture wounds; the case also features a notably indifferent public response before a fisherman effected the rescue.

On the morning of January 12, 2009, Steven Fogarty was snorkeling alone in the shallow waters beneath Windang Bridge at the mouth of Lake Illawarra, a large coastal lagoon near Wollongong, approximately 100 kilometers south of Sydney. At 10:45 AM, in water approximately two meters deep, Fogarty felt an initial nudge to his right calf. "Something just grabbed me from behind," he recalled, initially believing someone was playing a joke. Within seconds, he realized the severity of the situation when he saw a cloud of blood and bubbles surrounding him in the water. Fogarty responded instinctively, rolling onto his back and attempting to escape while kicking backward. As he became aware of blood covering both his feet, he verified both legs were still intact before beginning to swing punches at the animal. "I think I got one of them in. That's probably what got rid of him," he later explained. The shark made at least three separate biting attempts on his leg during the encounter. Fogarty's calls for help went unheeded by several people passing by on boats and the nearby bridge. He eventually managed to reach the mud flats where he was rescued by Pete Holm, a local fisherman, who brought him to safety on the northern bank of Lake Illawarra. Paramedics were waiting at the scene and treated his injuries before transporting him to Shellharbour Hospital in stable condition. The injuries consisted of 40 puncture wounds to his right calf and defensive abrasions to his fist. Dr. Vic Peddemors, head of the shark research section of New South Wales' Department of Primary Industries, identified the species as a dusky shark based on analysis of the tooth marks, jaw width, and spacing. The crescent-shaped wounds characteristic of the upper jaw indicated the animal was approximately 2 to 2.2 meters in length. Researchers noted that dusky whalers commonly enter large estuaries and are comfortable in such environments, and the attack likely occurred as the shark competed for access to a school of fish. Fogarty's wounds were sutured and he was released from hospital care.