UPDATE: More Deets On Sydney Shark Attack #3

Charles Lindop dragged his son Andrew to shore after the teenager was mauled by a shark during an early morning surf yesterday, in the third shark attack in Sydney in three weeks.

Andrew, 15, screamed when the 6 ft shark bit into his leg while he was surfing off North Avalon beach at about 6.45am (AEDT) on Sunday. His father heard the scream and turned around to see his son “thrashing about in the water.” the Dad dragged his son to shore where surf club members wrapped beach towels around the bite wound to stop the bleeding.

Andrew underwent four hours of surgery to his left thigh after being rushed to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital by helicopter. A hospital spokesman said much of the damage was repaired and Andrew was in a satisfactory condition. Apparently, the bite went through to the bone. Marine specialists will examine the wound to determine the species and exact size of the shark.

When asked him about the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, Andrew said it was a 10.

Avalon Beach will be closed for at least 24 hours while nearby Newport, Bilgola, Bungan, Whale Beach and Palm Beach were closed until further notice.

Meanwhile, just three hours after the attack, hundreds of swimmers took part in the Sydney Harbour Swim Classic after event organizers decided to go ahead with the race because the incident did not occur in the harbor.

[source]