Young boy revealed as victim of terrifying shark bite incident at popular Cape Burney beach

A young bodyboarder who was bitten by a shark at a popular Mid West beach at the weekend has been released from the hospital, with his father saying he was an “absolute soldier”. James Sweetman was attacked by a one-metre-long unknown shark species just before 10.30am on Sunday at Greenough River Mouth Beach in Cape Burney, about 12km south of Geraldton. The 12-year-old boy’s father, Ray, said his son was staying at a friend’s house when they went to the beach to attend a surfing academy with other grommets. “He said he stood on it, felt it wiggle under his feet and then he felt it come up and bite him on the leg. He tried to swim off and it didn’t let go,” Mr Sweetman said. James was bitten in the inner right thigh, with his friend’s parents quickly driving him to Mr Sweetman, who then rushed his son to Geraldton Health Campus. James was in a stable condition on Sunday afternoon and was later discharged from the hospital. Mr Sweetman said James did not require stitches and despite the shocking ordeal, he said his boy “handled it like an absolute solider”, leaving the hospital smiling and joking around. “I don’t think he panicked too much, he handled it really well down on the beach. When we got to the hospital I could see he was in shock,” he said. “Emergency was great, the ladies at the hospital dressed him up really well.” City of Greater Geraldton rangers closed the beach to the public for the remainder of the afternoon. The beach reopened on Monday and those swimming in the area have been advised by DPIRD to take caution. A DPIRD spokesperson confirmed it was working to confirm the species of shark involved in the incident. Shark sightings can be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600 and updates will be made available to the public via the SharkSmart website or mobile app.