Shark bite almost severs woman's arm

Photo / Richard Robinson

SYDNEY - A woman who was attacked by a shark north of Newcastle is being treated in hospital for severe injuries.

Lisa Mondy, 24, was wakeboarding off Jimmys Beach at Nelson Bay when she came off the board and was attacked by the shark, Newcastle Rescue Service helicopter crewman Glen Ramplin said.

She was conscious but in a serious condition when she arrived at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital. Her condition was later described as stable.

An ambulance spokeswoman said she was bitten several times on the head, shoulder, neck and arms. The arm injuries were severe.

Ramplin said the shark had grabbed Mondy's face, and then almost took her left arm off.

Ben Morcom, 31, was attacked by a 2m great white shark in December 2007 while surfing at Jimmys Beach

Mondy works for Port Stephens Parasailing, a leisure company with offices in Nelson Bay.

Owner Ian Cutbush said she was out with his son and others in one of the company boats when the attack happened.

According to her Facebook page, Mondy is a fan of Sharkwater, a movie that "debunks historical stereotypes and media depictions of sharks as bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters".

- AAP