Spearfisherman loses leg to shark

AUSTRALIA – A Queensland spearfisherman attacked by a shark on Saturday has had one of his legs amputated.

Spearfisherman Glenn Dickson had just jumped off a boat and into the waters off Hinchinbrook Island on Saturday morning when he was bitten on the left leg, which caused severe blood loss and loss of consciousness.

Paramedics praised the three friends who were with the father of two for applying a tourniquet using clothing and getting him to shore, where he was eventually flown to Cairns Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor Neil Noble said the 25-year-old was “extremely lucky to have the outcome he’s had so far”.

“As we got him out of the helicopter he was saying ‘I really will survive this, this will be okay’,” Mr Noble said.

“Time is a major factor in cases like this. Had that bleeding not been controlled with direct pressure and tourniquet applied, and blood being given to him by the helicopter rescue crew, I’d give him another 60 seconds and it’s quite possible this gentleman would’ve died from his injuries.”

The 25-year-old remains in the Cairns hospital in a critical but stable condition.

“In the short term he’s doing well and we just hope he will continue to improve,” Noble said.

Bond University shark attack expert Daryl McPhee said preventative measures should be taken by anyone spearfishing off the far north Queensland coast.

He said the best method was an independently tested personal shark deterrent.

“It can’t eliminate the risk of a shark bite but can reduce it potentially,” Dr McPhee said.

“There is one device that creates an electric current around the person in the water. Sharks have seven senses, and one of those senses is focussed on detecting very small electrical currents in the water.

“It is like listening to really loud, bad music — you tend to try and move away from it. It’s worth the money.”

A crowdfunding venture to assist Dickson with his recovery has already raised more than $10,000 towards its $20,000 goal.

Dickson was bitten by what is believed to have been either a bull shark or a tiger shark. - ABC