Woman bitten by shark while snorkelling off WA coast at Abrolhos Islands was an off-duty DPIRD officer

The woman who was bitten by a shark on an island off the Mid West coast was an off-duty Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development officer who was snorkelling after her shift around dusk when the predator struck. Emergency services rushed to the Abrolhos Islands after it was reported that a woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, was attacked. The woman was bitten by an unknown species of shark while snorkelling at Rat Island, about 60km off the coast of Geraldton, around 5.25pm on Tuesday. A spokesperson for DPIRD said: “The officer was engaging in a recreational snorkelling activity near the Rat Island jetty after her work shift.” She was assisted by DPIRD officers in a nearby vessel who treated her injuries and relayed her to shore, before being flown to Geraldton for medical treatment. She was stable and alert when she received treatment at Geraldton Health Campus. It is believed the woman was bitten on the leg and received a serious, but not life-threatening injury. On Wednesday afternoon a WA Country Health Service spokesperson said the woman had been discharged from Geraldton Health Campus. It is understood the nursing post on Rat Island is not staffed during the crayfishing off-season, with the peak lobster period usually stretching from March to June. The case has led to increased calls for a rescue helicopter to be based in the Mid West. Ian Dempsey is leading the charge on that campaign, saying “this sort of resource is the difference between life and death.” He said it was frustrating for the Mid West community. “We keep getting told by the State Government there isn’t a need for one right now. There is enough evidence to support the need for one,” Mr Dempsey said. People have been urged to take additional caution in the Rat Island area and check for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or app. If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.