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Father tells of his concern watching from the shore as shark assaults throughout son’s surf ski race

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A father has recounted the second he feared the worst for simply 30 seconds throughout a windsurfing race off Seacliff Seaside, south of Adelaide.

Murray Drummond stated he noticed athletes scattering within the water and panicked when he could not see the place his son was among the many different rivals making their method again to shore.

“It was fairly horrible,” he stated.

“The very first thing my spouse and I noticed was this surf ski throughout the IRB (inflatable lifeboat) with an enormous gap in it and we could not see Nathaniel within the boat itself.

“Even excited about it now, it makes my coronary heart beat somewhat.

“My legs go numb and all that stuff occurs if you go into shock.”

Extremely, Nathaniel escaped the assault unscathed.

The shark, estimated to be 3 meters lengthy, attacked the 19-year-old’s surfboard in entrance of him, sending him flying a meter into the air.

Snowboarding on the grass with a big hole
The shark attacked the entrance of the boater’s ski slope on Sunday morning. (Offered: SLSA)

Mr Drummond stated the overwhelming emotion of seeing his son unscathed was indescribable.

“I simply ran as much as him and hugged him so tight, you do not understand how a lot you’re keen on your child till one thing like that occurs,” he stated.

“I’ve a beautiful son, he’s my greatest pal when it comes to how we work collectively, we play loads of sports activities, we row collectively, it is unbelievable and I haven’t got to clarify that to another father or mother.” he say.

Mr Drummond stated the primary issues he stated to his son have been “I like you” and “I am pleased with you”.

“As a result of I do know what he’ll do on the market to remain alive,” he stated.

He stated Nathaniel, who has been on Surf Life Saving SA because the age of 6, went into “survival mode” as quickly as he heard noises underneath his ski run.

“He nonetheless had the leg laces to the skateboard that it’s important to have in these ocean races, he rapidly ripped it off,” he stated.

“All of the skaters obtained collectively, they put their skates collectively as a result of they are a fairly unstable occupation.

“He swam previous, he threw his toes over the tops of two skateboards whereas the opposite skaters walked in direction of him… it is an actual form of group and we’re actually grateful to all of these. supported.”

A small shark tooth in the palm of your hand
Marine biologists are analyzing the tooth discovered within the skateboard to establish the shark species. (Presents: Surf Life Saving SA)

One of many shark’s enamel was discovered connected to a skateboard.

Analysis scientist at Flinders College Lauren Meyer stated they’re conducting assessments to establish the shark species.

“We are able to take some samples from the desk and see which species is definitely biting it with some genetic instruments, we’ll additionally confirm that with the form and dimension of the enamel,” she stated.

“It is almost certainly an awesome white however till we get the genetic outcomes again it is arduous to say.”

Dr Meyer stated there have been solely 33 instances of sharks biting boats and boards within the shallows of South Australia since information started in 1873.

“It’s totally uncommon that an incident like this occurs in South Australia,” she stated.

Dr. Lauren Meyer (2)
Analysis scientist Lauren Meyer stated such assaults in SA are “notably uncommon”.(ABC Information: Ben Pettitt)

Surf Life Saving SA govt and emergency supervisor Daniel Willetts stated there haven’t been any additional shark instances reported within the space.

“It was simply an incident that occurred with none warning,” he stated.

“We all know it occurs, sharks are often seen throughout this shoreline, particularly right now of 12 months.”

A man with a serious expression standing in front of two jet skis
Surf Life Saving SA govt and emergency supervisor Daniel Willetts stated there haven’t been any further sightings of sharks within the space. (ABC Information: Ben Pettitt)

Mr Willetts stated counseling providers have been offered to these affected by the assault.

“There is no doubt he is a fortunate man,” he stated.

He stated it was necessary for beachgoers to be alert, however not alarmed.

“We all know this stuff can occur, that is the danger we take once we get into the water,” he stated.

“Once you’re doing a little water actions, do it with different folks.”

“Specifically, we ask that you simply do it earlier than a lifesaving service in order that if one thing occurs, you could have the sources there that will help you and reply and help you.”

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