Spearfisher nearly loses his arm in shark attack off Australia's west coast

A spearfisher nearly lost his arm in a shark attack off Australia's west coast on Friday, officials and local media reported. In a news release, Western Australia's Department of Primary Industries said multiple agencies responded to a "serious shark bite incident" that occurred offshore from Port Hedland.

The victim, identified by The Australian newspaper as Robbie Peck, was bitten by an unknown species of shark after he had speared a fish. Authorities said he was taken to shore and attended to by St John's Ambulance before being transported to hospital.

A Royal Flying Doctor Service spokesperson told Australian Associated Press the man suffered multiple injuries and his left arm had "nearly been severed." Health officials said the man was in stable condition, the outlet reported.