An incident involving a shark encounter off Moore Park Beach in Australia has left local boardrider Dave Seymour rattled but uninjured. The July 19 ordeal transformed what began as a regular day on the water into a dramatic experience that Seymour is unlikely to forget.
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Seymour, a seasoned waterman from Bundaberg with over 35 years of experience, was testing a friend’s new hydrofoil when he was unexpectedly struck by a shark, believed to measure approximately nine feet in length. In an interview with 9News, he recounted the shocking moment the shark hit him, propelling him into the air.
Reflecting on his experiences in the ocean, Seymour noted, “Always heading into the water here, it feels a bit shark-y. But I’ve spent a life in the ocean and that hasn’t really affected me.” However, this latest incident marked a noticeable shift in his perspective about safety in marine environments.
In a video shared shortly after the incident, he explained how he was just about to rise on his hydrofoil when he was hit from the side with considerable force. “This thing hits me — jeez, pretty quick pace, knocked me clear off,” he stated, visibly shaken, displaying his damaged board, which bore numerous puncture marks from the encounter.
Initially believing he had struck a submerged log, Seymour quickly realised the potential danger he faced. “I’m swimming around, having a look,” he recalled, “I could not see a log. And I got this weird flush through me, like that eerie flush.” It was a moment of realisation for Seymour, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean.
In response to the incident, authorities notified the fisheries department, with plans underway to collect a DNA swab from the board’s punctures to ascertain the species responsible for the attack. Marine expert Dr. Vincent Raoult from Griffith University speculated that the shark involved could have been significant in size. “I’d be saying in the 2 to 3-metre [6.5- to 9.8-foot] range,” he estimated.
Despite the frightening experience, Seymour stated he emerged from the ordeal without a single scratch. “Not a scratch on me,” he wrote in a social media update, concluding with a poignant reminder of the natural order of the ocean: “the ocean belongs to the sharks and we are just visitors.”
The incident comes amidst a growing concern over shark encounters in Australian waters. According to the Florida Museum’s International Shark File, there were 21 unprovoked shark bites recorded in Australia last year, with five resulting in fatalities. Just the day before Seymour’s encounter, a nearly seven-foot shark attacked a scuba diver in Adventure Bay, Tasmania, highlighting the ongoing risks marine enthusiasts face.
In that particular incident, police reported that the 31-year-old diver was in the water with two companions approximately 165 feet from the shore when the shark, identified as a broadnose sevengill, bit him on the lower forearm. Fortunately, his injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and he was airlifted to Royal Hobart Hospital in stable condition.
Seymour’s experience serves as a stark reminder that while many Australians enjoy water sports, encounters with these apex predators can occur unexpectedly, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and respect for marine life.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, ocean lovers and surfers are urged to take precautions while enjoying their time in the water. The ocean, while beautiful and inviting, is home to creatures that must be respected and understood. For Seymour, the experience has shifted his perception of safety in the water and has encouraged a broader conversation on the coexistence of humans and marine wildlife.