Shark injures swimmers at Ocean Grove

PARAMEDICS were called to Ocean Grove’s main beach after two swimmers were injured by a shark earlier this evening.

The incident took place at about 7.20pm, and the shark was reported to have been within 500 metres of the beach.

The two teenagers were later taken to hospital.

Clifton Springs resident Peter Hobbs and his family were nearby when the incident occurred and went to help, and described the circumstances as being in “the right place at the right time” in a post on his Facebook page.

“Tonight we went for a leisurely paddle at Ocean Grove beach and while we were in the water a couple of teenagers near us got attacked by a shark,” Mr Hobbs wrote.

“We could see them splashing but didn’t know what was happening. We didn’t see the shark, just the splash, but we heard the cries and our family mobilised.

“First of all James went to paddle out to help… what a legend but we quickly called him back in. A stranger paddled across and helped the girl and her friend come to shore. Di being an ex professional Trauma Emergency Nurse raced into action, Ella brought in the boards and I ran back to the beach bag to call 000.

“Some strangers helped carry them in and ran off to get the first aid kit. We all moved up the grassed area by the showers.

“The ambos didn’t take long to arrive but in the mean time Di had all the volunteer helpers organised and the poor lady’s leg compressed bandage and ready for the paramedics. The teens were obviously shocked but taken to hospital.”

An “Advice – Dangerous Animal” alert remains active on Ocean Grove Main Beach on the VicEmergency website.