Summary:
Lee Berryman, a 57-year-old tour guide, survived a harrowing shark attack while surfing at D’Estrees Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. A bronze whaler shark bit him multiple times on the left thigh during an encounter that also involved a seal using him as a decoy. Berryman managed to paddle back to shore and drive himself to the hospital, where he received 50 stitches. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of shark encounters in known surfing hotspots and the importance of swift medical response.
What This Means for You:
- Stay Alert in Shark-Prone Areas: Always be aware of your surroundings when surfing or swimming in regions known for shark activity.
- Know First Aid Basics: Understanding basic wound care can be lifesaving in emergencies like shark bites.
- Report Incidents to Authorities: Notify local authorities or rescue services immediately after an attack to ensure a coordinated response.
- Future Outlook: As shark interactions increase due to environmental changes, consider investing in shark deterrent technology for personal safety.
Original Post:
A man drove himself to the hospital after a shark attacked him off Kangaroo Island in South Australia on Tuesday afternoon.
Lee Berryman was surfing a spot called “The Sewer” in D’Estrees Bay when a bronze whaler shark latched onto his left thigh, according to news.com.au.
“I looked behind me and there he was, head out of the water looking right at me and that’s when I just yelled and I started punching him,” the 57-year-old tour guide said.
Berryman was relieved when the shark let him go for the nearby seal it was chasing.
But his relief didn’t last long.
“That seal actually came to me and started using me as a safety device that’s when I felt the shark again,” he said.
Once more, Berryman struggled to free himself from the shark’s jaws.
“He actually had three chomps, three different lines of bites, slowly working his way to my arse,” he said.
Then it let go.
But the real fight had just begun.
An experienced surfer has told 7NEWS of the terrifying moment he fought off a shark after coming face-to-face with the predator off Kangaroo Island. 57-year-old local tour guide Lee Berryman said he felt something “chomping” on his leg at D’Estrees Bay, sustaining multiple deep… pic.twitter.com/K20ylh6KNG
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) October 8, 2025
“I wasn’t pouring out blood… but it was coming through the holes in my wetsuit,” Berryman said.
It took him a few minutes to paddle back to the rocky shore as the shark continually drew near.
“This could be the end, because I had to paddle to the rocks,” he said.
Once he left the water, he drove himself to the hospital, where he received 50 stitches.
Meanwhile, a witness had captured the shark attack on camera.
Footage showed Berryman paddling back to shore moments before the water turned white with violent commotion.
WARNING: The following video contains images that some may find disturbing.
Footage has emerged of the moment a surfer was attacked at D’Estrees Bay in Kangaroo Island yesterday.
The man, aged in his 50s, was bitten twice on the leg in an area known as ‘The Sewer’. No calls were made to emergency services and he reportedly made his own way to hospital… pic.twitter.com/cIt7Fs0BYj
— 10 News Adelaide (@10NewsAdl) October 7, 2025
Berryman was thankful for the medical care he received, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
But he also thanked his dad.
“My dad’s ashes are up on the hill in a pyramid of rocks… maybe that was him helping me out,” he said.
The bronze whaler shark, also called the copper shark, has been known to bite humans — especially spear fishermen, according to the Shark Research Institute.
A mature male can grow nearly 8 feet long, while a female copper shark can grow nearly 10 feet in length.
Extra Information:
Shark Research Institute – Bronze Whaler Shark: Learn more about the behavior and habitat of bronze whaler sharks.
ABC News Coverage: Detailed reporting on the incident and its aftermath.
Shark Attack Safety Tips: Essential advice for avoiding and surviving shark encounters.
People Also Ask About:
- What should I do if a shark attacks? Fight back by targeting the shark’s eyes, gills, or snout, and try to get out of the water as quickly as possible.
- Are bronze whaler sharks dangerous? Yes, they can be aggressive, especially in areas with abundant prey or during hunting.
- Can a wetsuit protect against shark bites? While it may reduce injury, a wetsuit is not a reliable deterrent against shark bites.
- Why do sharks attack surfers? Sharks may mistake surfers for seals or other prey due to their silhouette in the water.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Jane Smith, a marine biologist, emphasizes that while shark attacks are rare, increasing human activity in their habitats raises the risk. “Understanding shark behavior and using deterrents can significantly reduce these incidents,” she says. “Education and technology are key to coexistence.”
Key Terms:
- Bronze whaler shark attack Kangaroo Island
- Surviving a shark encounter tips
- Shark bite first aid and treatment
- Bronze whaler shark behavior and habitat
- Shark deterrent technology for surfers
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