Man in serious condition after shark attack in South Australia

- Illustrative photo.

MELBOURNE: A man was taken to hospital in serious condition following a shark attack on Thursday (May 15) morning in South Australia, police said.

South Australia police said that emergency services were called to the Port Noarlunga jetty south of Adelaide at about 9.45am (0015 GMT) "after reports that a man swimming in the water had been bitten by a shark."

"He was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition," South Australia police continued.

"Swimmers have been evacuated from the water. Please avoid the area."

Local media reported that the attack took place close to shore and that the man, said to be around 40 years old, suffered a serious injury to his thigh.

Port Noarlunga is popular with swimmers, snorkellers and divers.

A 32-year-old was killed at the same site in 2023 after being bitten on the head by a shark. 

According to Australian broadcaster ABC, that was one of five shark attacks - three of them fatal - across South Australian beaches that year. - dpa