Qld: Scene of shark attack 'safe' say tourism operators

00-00-0000
Qld: Scene of shark attack 'safe' say tourism operators

BRISBANE, Dec 30 AAP - Tour operators say the spot where a Dutch tourist was attackedby a hammerhead shark is safe, despite the incident.

Lienne Schellekens, 18, was snorkelling near Upolu Cay, about 40km off the coast ofCairns, when the shark bit her arm.

She was dragged to safety by tour boat skipper Chris Adams who said the popular locationwas regarded as safe.

"Where we go is not noted for any of the big sharks or the dangerous sharks," he toldthe Courier Mail newspaper today.

"It's one of those things that is just a most unusual experience."

The tourist, who suffered severe lacerations to her left arm, was airlifted to theCairns Base hospital where staff said she remained in a stable condition.

Ms Schellekens, who was travelling Queensland alone, was swimming near three peoplewhen the shark struck her.

Intensive care paramedic Chris Beadnell, who attended the scene, said the woman stayedconscious throughout the ordeal.

"The girl suffered very severe lacerations to her left arm," he said.

Mr Beadnell said her arm was not severed by the shark, but she would need surgery.

He said the woman's description of the shark matched that of a large hammerhead.

The incident follows the death of 23-year-old Bo Martin after being bitten by bullshark in a Gold Coast canal earlier this month.

AAP ved/sek

KEYWORD: SHARK