Community rallies around shark attack victim in Geraldton

The family of a local firefighter who was attacked by a shark while surfing at Glenfield Beach has expressed their gratitude to the community for its outpouring of support. Mel Ismail, who was bitten by a shark on Monday morning, remains in a serious but stable condition at Geraldton Health Campus.

In a statement, Mr. Ismail's family members thanked the community for its help, while requesting their privacy be respected. "We are incredibly grateful for the support and kindness shown by the Geraldton community and to the hospital team caring for our loved one," it reads. "Our focus right now is on them and supporting one another as a family."

Glenfield Beach remains closed, with a fisheries officer scanning the water from the top of a sand dune. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson said water and drone patrols had been conducted, with vehicle patrols along the coast set to continue.

Geraldton Health Campus head of intensive care/high dependency unit (ICU/HDU) Mary Pinder said Mr. Ismail faced a long recovery given the seriousness of his injuries. "He is in very good hands, receiving specialist care from an experienced multidisciplinary team with the capability and expertise to manage complex and critically unwell patients locally," Dr. Pinder said. "The redevelopment has significantly strengthened the level of critical care we can provide in Geraldton, meaning patients who would previously have required transfer can now remain on country closer to home and family, where clinically appropriate."

City of Greater Mayor Jerry Clune thanked those who assisted Mr. Ismail at the beach immediately after the incident, describing it as "typical Geraldton spirit". "A big thank you to all them," Cr Clune said. "Many agencies come together as well as community come together and we really appreciate that."

Meanwhile, WA Premier Roger Cook described the situation as "horrifying". "I mean, the accounts we've heard from that are devastating," he said. He also criticized local MP Kirrilee Warr for politicizing the incident, saying it was "appalling" and "disgusting".