Diver airlifted to hospital after shark bite off Australian coast

A 31-year-old diver has been airlifted to a hospital after being bitten by a nearly 7-foot shark off the coast of Tasmania, Australia.

The incident happened in Adventure Bay on the southeastern coast of Tasmania on Saturday morning, July 18, at around 9 a.m. local time, according to Tasmania Police.

Authorities said the man was diving with two other people approximately 165 feet from shore when he was attacked by what is believed to have been a broadnose sevengill shark measuring about 6.5 feet.

The diver suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his lower forearm and was transported by helicopter to Royal Hobart Hospital. He is currently in stable condition.

A witness told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the man had been spearfishing when the incident occurred and was retrieving a fish at the time of the attack.

"It was a pretty good bite without being anything serious ... just a good, dog-sized bite, maybe the top of his arm," the witness said.

Tasmania Police said the attack appears to have been an isolated incident but urged swimmers and divers in the area to remain cautious and follow local water safety advice.

Broadnose sevengill sharks are commonly found in temperate waters, particularly in coastal bays, and can grow to nearly 10 feet in length. Unlike most shark species that have five gill slits, they have seven.

The species is considered potentially dangerous in Australia and New Zealand, particularly when provoked.