Teenager Labelled Hero After Saving Best Mate From Great White Shark
A teenager from Western Australia has been branded a hero after his bravery and quick thinking saved the life of his best friend after a great white shark attack.
17-year-old Luke Pascoe was attacked by a great white shark while spearfishing off Mistaken Island, south of Albany, on Monday, with his friend Conner Shirley.
Shirley quickly jumped into action and pulled his friend from the water, made him a tourniquet from his dive belt to stop the bleeding, and then carried him on his back across wet jagged rocks for around 2km, before driving him to the hospital.
Pasco said to ABC that he owes his life to Conner.
"I was lying in bed last night and I was thinking to myself how lucky I am to still be here," he said.
The 17-year-old is currently recovering at the Albany health campus after being treated for three lacerations to his lower legs.
A spokesperson for the Alban health campus said on Tuesday afternoon that Pascoe was in a stable condition.
The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said it was investigating the incident and working alongside local authorities to decide on an appropriate response.
The department requested that people take extra precautions when in the water around the Mistaken Island area and encouraged them to report any shark sightings to water police on 9442 8600.
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