Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051255842200.htm

International

Encounter with shark

SYDNEY: An Australian swimmer who was mauled by a 16-foot shark and survived said he saw a shadow in the water seconds before the attack and thought it was a dolphin.

The shark, believed to be a Great White, seized Jason Cull by the left leg as he was swimming at Middleton Beach in southwestern Australia on Saturday.

Mr. Cull, 37, survived after grappling with the beast and after a lifeguard at the beach came to his aid.

The shark was one of three that swimmers reported seeing at the beach on Saturday. Officials closed the beach after the attack.

Tom Marron, a spokesman for the lifeguards at the beach, said volunteer lifesaver Joanne Lucas leapt into the water to help Mr. Cull after swimmers at the beach started panicking when they saw him struggling. “She heard the cries and knew they needed assistance and went straight in.” — AP