Fourteen-year-old surfer survives shark attack at Maroubra beach
Ronald Streater – Mason's injured leg from the shark attack at Maroubra beach. Pic: Melvyn Knipe
Ronald Streater – Mason celebrated the end of the school year by going for a surf with his mates at Maroubra beach but the party was gatecrashed by a three-foot shark.
The 14-year-old had been in the water for an hour on the evening of December 7 and as he was getting back on his board to catch his final wave a shark grabbed his left leg and pulled him off.
He managed to kick the shark off with his right foot but then the predator attacked at both of his feet and legs before Ronald escaped and bravely paddled back out to warn the other surfers.
He eventually paddled onto rocks and walked 400 metres to where his father was waiting for him in the car and rushed him to the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
Although Ronald admits it was a horrifying experience, he can’t wait to get back out there.
“I’ll be a bit scared but I’ll just try to forget about it,” he said. “It was weird – I’m pretty lucky.”
His mother, Cheryl Streater said her son was fortunate to have not lost a limb or even his life.
“I don’t know how he handled it so well - it’s still like it’s not real to me,” she said. “We are lucky we have still got him.”
Following the shark attack Ronald underwent surgery to have his wounds cleaned and stitches put in, then he had skin grafts on his legs and feet last week.
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/
12/07/2011 Ronald Mason ( Australia )
Re: 12/07/2011 Ronald Mason ( Australia )
We have another tool we are building at https://sharkattacks.net
12/07/2011 Ronald Mason ( Australia )
Shark Attack at Maroubra beach, in Sydney's, New South Wales eastern suburbs Australia
14-year-old Ronald Mason received injuries to his left leg after being attacked by a shark while surfing off Maroubra beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs. He also received injuries to his right foot during his attempts to force the shark to let go.
14-year-old Ronald Mason received injuries to his left leg after being attacked by a shark while surfing off Maroubra beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs. He also received injuries to his right foot during his attempts to force the shark to let go.
We have another tool we are building at https://sharkattacks.net