There are reports this morning that a 42 year old man has been attacked by a shark while surfing at Shelley Beach in Ballina. The same beach where Tadashi Nakahara tragically lost his life to a shark attack in 2015.
While the extent of the injuries sustained remain unclear, the Northern Star reported that the victim was bitten on the calf and dragged from his board, sustaining a 20 centimetre wound in the attack. He is also reported to have driven himself to hospital.
He has been taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.
Beaches in the immediate area have been closed for 24 hours and authorities are urging people use extreme care if they do go in the ocean.
Surf Life Saving New South Wales spokesperson, Donna Wishart, said drone operators have taken to the sky in an attempt to locate the shark.