Recreational diver bitten by two-metre shark

Police are tracking a two-metre-long shark after a recreational coastal diver was bitten on the arm.

The 31-year-old man was 50 meters from the beach when the attack occurred on Saturday morning in Adventure Bay, about 90 minutes south of Hobart.

Police stated that the diver’s injuries were not life-threatening.

However, anyone planning to enter the water in the area where the incident occurred was warned to be careful.

Dauntless police were patrolling the area on the east coast of Bruny Island looking for the broad-nosed sevengill shark thought to be responsible.

However, no other opinion was found.

“The man was bitten while diving with two others at a depth of eight meters off Coal Point, Adventure Bay,” Inspector Darren Latham said.

”He managed to return to shore and was helped by fellow divers who contacted emergency services around 9.10am.”

Insp Latham said the man was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a stable condition and was treated for injuries to his lower forearm.

“Whilst this appears to be an isolated incident, we would remind anyone planning to swim or dive in the area to exercise caution, follow local safety advice and be aware of their surroundings.”

Anyone who sees a shark should report it to the police or call triple zero if the sighting poses an immediate threat.

In March, a ten-foot shark was spotted near a boat ramp at Bruny Island Cruises in Adventure Bay.

Tasmanian waters are home to many shark species, including great whites, sevengills and bronze whalers.

Formerly known as the mud shark or cow shark, the sevengill can be identified due to its seven gill slits.

It is mostly benthic in nature, wandering along the seafloor and occasionally surfacing.