Shark attacks 65-year-old man leaving him with serious leg injuries

  

A 65-year-old man was attacked by a shark in Australia on Friday, leaving him with serious leg injuries.

The man - named as David Quinlivan - was airlifted to hospital following the attack for emergency surgery.He was mauled while he was paddling on a surf ski - similar to a kayak - near the town of Forster, New South Wales.

Bystanders helped the man from the shore before paramedics arrived. Credit: AuBC/Channel 10

Police said the man fell into the water but managed to get back on the surf ski and move closer to shore where bystanders helped him from the sea.

The shark bit Mr Quinlivan's ankle, leaving him with puncture wounds and lacerations to the bone.

David Quinlivan was still able to talk to paramedics when he arrived at the hospital.Credit: Reuters

Sharks are common off the coast off Australia, but fatal attacks are rare.

Two weeks ago a 38-year-old surfer suffered life-threatening injuries when he was attacked by a shark at Port Macquarie, 60 miles north of Forster.

In February a Japanese tourist was killed in the town of Ballina, also in New South Wales.

The 65-year-old suffered puncture wounds to his ankle. Credit: AuBC/Channel 10

Authorities are working to investigate the shark species.