NSW: Surfer bitten by shark in stable condition
11 Jan 2009 11:23 AM
SYDNEY, Jan 11 AAP - A surfer bitten by a shark on the far NSW north coast is in a stable condition, NSW Police say.
Emergency services were called to Fingal Head, south of Tweed Heads, following reports a 31-year-old man had been bitten by a shark just before 9.30am (AEDT) on Sunday.
Police said the surfer suffered injuries to his left thigh after being attacked about 70m offshore.
He was able to make his own way back to shore where he was assisted by friends until ambulance officers arrived, police said.
A landing zone was established on Fingal Road for the Careflight helicopter which arrived at about 10am (AEDT).
The man was flown to Gold Coast Hospital where he was in a stable condition, a Careflight spokesman told AAP.
"His wound is not life threatening," the spokesman said.
Police have closed all beaches between Fingal Head and Kingscliff while another helicopter performs a precautionary sweep of the area.
No information was available about the shark involved.
