A surfer mauled by a shark has been identified as a 50-year-old firefighter.
Mel Ismail suffered serious injuries after being attacked while surfing off the coast of Western Australia.
The experienced surfer was reportedly bitten on his left arm before managing to make it back to shore.
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Emergency services rushed to Glenfield Beach, near Geraldton, following reports of the attack at around 7:30 am on Sunday (13 Sep).
Mel, who works as a firefighter in Geraldton, was treated at the scene before being taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital.
He suffered serious injuries to his arm but was reported to be in a stable condition, as reported by Need To Know.
St John WA confirmed paramedics had been called to the beach following reports of a shark bite.
An ambulance crew treated the injured surfer before transporting him to hospital.
Police and other emergency services also attended the scene.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development issued a shark warning following the incident.
Authorities urged people to take additional caution in the Glenfield Beach area while investigations were carried out.
The beach was also closed following the attack.
The species of shark involved has not been officially confirmed.
Mel is understood to be an experienced surfer and a well-known member of the local surfing community.
Glenfield Beach is a popular surfing spot north of Geraldton, around 260 miles north of Perth.
Mel remained in a stable condition following the attack.
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