Crescent Head: Joe Hoffman survives shark attack on mid north coast of NSW

Medics who rushed to the aid of a surfer bitten by a three-metre shark attack on the NSW mid north coast have been credited with saving his life.

Joe Hoffman suffered the significant bite on his arm at Crescent Head Beach, about 4.30pm on Tuesday.

“I just saw a chunk out of his arm and a massive chunk out of his board,” witness Foxx McGechy told Ten News.

Trained medics, including trauma doctors and nurses, fortunately happened to be close by and went to his aid.

They made a makeshift tourniquet for his badly injured arm before paramedics arrived.

NSW Police Inspector Martin Burke said efforts by the bystanders helped save the man and potentially also his arm.

“For a terrible situation it was almost the perfect storm in terms of expertise on the ground,” he told reporters at the scene.

Another witness, Mark Fallon, said Mr Hoffman, who is in his 20s, was conscious after the attack.

“He seemed lucid, he was talking at the time. He was very lucky there was some good people on the scene,” he told Ten News.

Bill Hoffman credited the first responders with saving his son’s life.

“First responders to the scene yesterday are responsible for our boy still being alive. We’re so grateful we still have our boy,” he told NBN TV news.

Four emergency crews, including the Westpac Rescue helicopter, assessed and treated Mr Hoffman for a severe arm injury.

He was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition where he underwent surgery.

Family friend Mitchell Rae described Mr Hoffman as a “keen and competent” surfer.

“He was riding a very distinctive Outer Island Super Mal surfboard I made for his dad years ago, which has become Joe’s favourite ride,” he posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

“He was duck diving a wave when the shark struck.

“Fortunately there were trained medical people at hand who applied a makeshift leg rope tourniquet to his badly injured arm.

“I spoke to his parents last night and they were very shaken but optimistic.”

NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew Beverley thanked those who rushed to help the injured man.

“Much praise must be given to bystanders who helped the man from the water and provided that crucial initial first aid,” he said.

“It was a significant bite and the man suffered serious injuries to his arm as a result.

“It might be cold at the moment but it’s important to always be aware of your surrounding in the water, even in winter.”

Surf Life Saving NSW has closed the Crescent Head beach and surrounding beaches until further notice.

CEO Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said signs warned people off entering the water.

Drones have been deployed to ensure the water is clear for swimmers.

Mr Pearce said the popular surf spot last had a shark encounter in 2020, in which a woman was bitten in the nearby creek.

He said there’s a higher incidence of large sharks up and down the coast at this time of year as part of the usual whale migration.

The last shark attack in NSW unfolded at Tuncurry on the NSW mid-north coast on May 18.

Surfer Mark Sanguinetti died after being attacked by a suspected 4.5m white shark.

The 59-year-old father, from Sydney’s northern beaches, was bitten on his upper right thigh while surfing with friends just after 11am, and died at the scene.

Police have urged beach goers to follow safety advice from Surf Life Saving NSW and by visiting the Department of Primary Industry’s website and the SharkSmart app.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7056aoaafobyoxY6smqKdnpiycK3NoqSapKNkwLa%2BxZ6pZqKfmnqpu8WfpJqmXaHCpLfYZquoZZKaeqK4yK%2BcZpmWqbKzedKhmKujXZbBta3CpGSopl2itqV5zaipraBdmLyiv9Nmpp9lnqjEcLrEsKpmq6Skv7p7wGubcG5jbH90gpBwnW6cZ5iwcYSYbmtuapGWfXmFlm4%3D