Spearfisher attacked by mako shark

A spearfisherman was attacked by a shark near Matauri Bay, Northland yesterday.

Kevin Lloyd was spearfishing with friends when he was attacked by a 2.1m mako shark about 11am.

The 24-year-old had just speared a kingfish when the shark “came out of nowhere” and latched on to his leg and then bit his hand.

The attack happened near the Cavalli Islands.

“I couldn’t see what was going on I just knew there was a shark biting me. It managed to let go of my hands and then it swam off into the murk,” Lloyd said.

“I was stunned. I couldn’t believe it was happening. We dive with sharks all the time but this shark we hadn’t seen.”

Lloyd and his friend swam back to the boat which was about 200m away and applied first aid. They then picked up another friend who they had dropped off in a different spot and headed to Matauri Bay to meet emergency services.

He was transported to Bay of Islands Hospital. He has 10 stitches in his hand but because of the nature of his leg wound and the high chance of infection it was decided to let it heal over time.

The attack is the second shark attack in Northland in two months.

In October Whanga¯rei surfer Andrew Brough was attacked by a great white shark at Baylys Beach, near Dargaville. Surgeons removed three shark teeth from the arm wound, and a larger tooth was embedded in the surfboard — 40 stitches were required.