Surfer attacked by ‘massive shark’ in chest-deep water near Esperance

Witnesses have told police a surfer was attacked by a “massive” shark in chest-deep water at a remote beach east of Esperance on Western Australia’s south coast.

WAtoday understands several people witnessed the attack at Wharton Beach in an incident that dragged on for minutes.

The man’s surfboard – which had bite marks on it – was found floating in the water, but the surfer remains missing.

Police received a call about a surfer in distress about 12.10pm on Monday.

“It is believed the surfer was the victim of a serious shark bite incident,” a police spokeswoman said.

Witness Joscelin Boissieux told 9News Perth there were screams as people warned others in the water about the shark.

“We heard the scream, and everyone got out of the water … there was only a surfboard left, floating around about 30 metres from the shore,” he said.

“The water next to it was dark, with a shark’s fin circling around.”

The partner of the surfer, believed to be in his 30s, was on the beach as the attack unfolded.