A fisherman is recovering in hospital after surviving a shark attack while spearfishing off the coast of Urlings on Tuesday afternoon.

The frightening incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. when the fisherman, who was diving approximately 75 feet below the surface, was attacked by a shark. He suffered a serious injury to his arm and was quickly brought back to shore by those accompanying him.

Emergency Medical Services personnel responded promptly, stabilizing the injured man before transporting him to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for treatment.

Despite the severity of the attack, the fisherman remained conscious and alert throughout the rescue and transport process.

Junior Minister for Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy Randy Baltimore provided an update on the man’s condition on Thursday, describing his recovery as encouraging.

“He’s in good spirit. I must applaud the nurses and the doctors who attend to him. Thank God his injuries are not life-threatening. Speaking with his wife last evening, he’s coming along very well,” Baltimore told ABS News.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local fishing community, where shark encounters are relatively uncommon. While the fisherman continues to receive medical care, officials say his condition is stable and he is making progress in his recovery.

No further details about the species of shark involved or the exact location of the attack have been released.