A woman has been flown to hospital after a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia.
The incident happened on Monday morning in waters north of Jurien Bay at Sandland Island, roughly 230 kilometres north of Perth.
A St John Ambulance WA spokesperson told SkyNews.com.au two road crews and a rescue helicopter responded to a “priority one” case about 11.44am.
The spokesperson said a woman in her 40s had been airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital, but could not elaborate on her injuries.
She was due to land about 3pm AWST, the spokesperson added.
WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development issued an alert about the incident via its SharkSmart website on Monday.
The DPIRD said a woman entered waist deep water off Sandland Island about 11.30am when she was bitten by what was believed to have been a two metre tiger shark.
“DPIRD is working with local authorities to coordinate responses,” it added.
The DPIRD has urged locals to take “additional caution in the Sandland Island and Jurien Bay area” as authorities investigate.
“Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA,” the warning stated.
“Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.”
Surf Life Saving WA later shared an update from the DPIRD on social media, confirming beaches have now closed following the attack.
“DPIRD (Fisheries) advise that beaches have been closed between Sandy Cape and North Head, Jurien Bay due to a shark incident,” the organisation wrote on X.
Sandland Island is about two hectares in size and is part of the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
Residents are urged to report any shark sightings to WA Water Police on (08) 9442 8600.
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