Glenfield Beach shark attack: Mel Ismail undergoes surgery, family issues statement

A father has lost part of his leg after being mauled by a shark during a morning surf.

Mel Ismail’s right leg was amputated below the shin after the 56-year-old was bitten at Glenfield Beach in Geraldton, 420km north of Perth , on Monday.

7NEWS understands another surfer dragged him to shore before a group of teenagers provided first aid and used a surfboard leg rope as a makeshift tourniquet to help save the local firefighter’s life.

“Someone just came past on a quad and just said ‘someone’s most probably lost their leg or got knocked off their board by a shark’,” local Jarrad Gray said.

Geraldton MLA and opposition fisheries spokesperson Kirrilee Warr said witnesses on the beach described it as a “traumatic and horrific situation”.

“I would have to thank those first responders because the man is still with us and we do hope that he has a good recovery,” Warr said.

The father-of-two underwent emergency surgery at Geraldton Health Campus and is now recovering in a stable condition.

Family said “we love and appreciate” the support shown to them but has asked for “time and space to adjust to everything”.

The man’s surfboard, which had a chunk ripped out of it, and wetsuit are now being analysed by authorities to work out the size and species of shark involved.

Bond University shark expert Dr Daryl McPhee told Sunrise that bites on that stretch of the coast are “rare”, with about four since 1997.

Mel is no stranger to the ocean and loves to surf. He was previously pictured with Australian pro surfer Mick Fanning.

Ismail’s employer, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, said “our thoughts are with him, his family, friends and DFES colleagues”.

“I would like to thank the first responders who went to his aid,” DFES Deputy Commissioner Melissa Pexton said on Monday.

“The DFES Wellness team and regional staff are providing support to the injured staff member, his family and his work colleagues.”