A tourist was spared by a shark attack in D’Estrees Bay in Kangaroo Island after having had a dreadful experience of being attacked by a huge shark while surfing on the southern coast of South Australia. The victim was a local tour guide named Lee Berryman, a 57-year-old who was bitten in the leg as he surfed in a location called The Sewer. It happened on October 7, 2025, at approximately 1:30 pm, which made people take up the topic of shark activity in the locality again.
D’Estrees Bay on Kangaroo Island, where a local tour guide survived a shark attack while surfing.
Berryman was able to row ashore and drive to Kingscote Hospital, where he was given emergency treatment and approximately 50 stitches. Even after suffering severe injuries, medical personnel assured that he was in a stable and not life-threatening condition.
The Attack at D’Estrees Bay
According to eyewitnesses, Berryman was about to get a wave when the shark attacked. He later remembered that he could feel something chewing on his left leg, and it was a shark. The shark also struck a seal close to a colony of seals, and this caused specialists to conclude that the shark was possibly chasing them when it hit the surfer.
Berryman retaliated by punching the animal and screaming, which many experts think is what caused him to survive. He lost his blood but still managed to row himself back ashore, where other surfers and passersby assisted him in putting pressure on the wound. A doctor who was a surfer gave first aid to one of the surfers, then drove Berryman to the hospital, where he got surgery.
The shark has since been recognised by authorities as probably a bronze whaler, which is found in South Australian waters but is not normally dangerous to people.
Firsthand Reports of the Event
Jon Souter, who went walking with his family along the cliffs, witnessed the dramatic event and saw the attack. Video footage taken by Souter of a seal diving at the two surfers before the bite. He termed it an extraordinary scene, and the victim and his companion were remarkably calm when they arrived at the shore.
Witness captures video of shark attack at Kangaroo Island beach
Souter addressed the media after giving first aid, explaining that the injured surfer was conscious and alert during the whole incident. Souter told ABC News that he was very composed and really in pain. The video captured by him has been checked by local authorities since then, so as to identify the shark species.
Marine Conditions and Expert View
The founder of Shark Watch SA, Anton Covino, claimed that attacks on the area are infrequent despite frequent sightings of large sharks off Kangaroo Island. According to Covino, the sharks of the bronze whale usually prey on fish and seals, but sometimes they confuse surfers as their prey when they are on a feeding mission.
Shark Watch SA expert Anton Covino discussing shark activity near Kangaroo Island
He further said that abnormal seawater conditions, such as an algae bloom, could be influencing fish behaviours that could change the behaviour of sharks in South Australian coasts. Although it was theorised by some locals that the perpetrator might have been a great white shark, Covino said that the wound pattern and the depth of the bite indicated that a bronze whaler was the most probable cause.
Accident Prevention and History
The shark attack rejuvenated the debate concerning ocean safety and shark deterrent methods off Kangaroo Island. Residents have demanded more patrols and signs at tourist surf destinations, especially isolated ones like D’Estrees Bay.
It is not the first shark attack that has been documented in the region. In 2020, a surfer named Dion Lynch was bitten on the back and thigh in the same spot and survived. The marine safety experts have warned beachgoers that, though the attacks are rare, this is a normal occurrence in the Australian waters, which are home to abundant marine life.
Mayor Michael Pengilly said that the survival of Berryman was a lucky escape and advised surfers to take care and not venture into the water when seals or a school of fish are around. He underlined that Kangaroo Island is still safe to visit, though everyone should follow all the safety notices.
Recovery and Public Response of Hospitals
Berryman was reported to be in a good mood and was reportedly recovering slowly after surgery at Kingscote Hospital. Exceptional Kangaroo Island, his employer, affirmed that he was a highly sought-after tour guide with a great deal of respect towards wildlife. In response to the attack, the company declared that Berryman was thankful for the support and the help he got.
Local officials denied that there were any beach closures, but warned that swimmers should be cautious and report any shark sightings to the SA Police Marine Unit. Professionals also advised surfers to wear electronic shark repellents, which have been effective in minimising the contact.
Social knowledge and Professional guidance
Wildlife specialists have urged people not to overreact after the attack, showing that shark attacks are infrequent. They recommended that the swimmers should stick near the beach, stay in clear water, and they should not wear shiny jewellery, which can attract the attention of marine predators.
Covino also urged the community not to forget that sharks are important in healthy marine ecosystems. He further explained that the ocean should be respected and learn the patterns of sharks to minimise the risk.
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Final Thoughts
The tourist surviving a shark attack at D’Estrees Bay, Kangaroo Island, is an indication of how the ocean environment can be unpredictable. The calm reaction of Berryman, his fast thinking and his determination enabled him to escape a case that would have meant his death.
Governments are still keeping watch on the activities of the sharks in the area of the island, as they urge tourists to be on their guard and observe the safety tips set down. Although the problem was uncommon, the experts argue that the waters along the coast of South Australia are safe to go on with responsible recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What happened in the Kangaroo Island shark attack?
A 57-year-old tour guide, Lee Berryman, was bitten twice by a shark while surfing at D’Estrees Bay, a popular surf break known as “The Sewer.” - What type of shark is believed to have attacked?
Authorities believe the attacker was a bronze whaler shark, a species commonly found in South Australian waters. - When did the attack occur?
The shark attack took place on October 7, 2025, at around 1:30 pm local time. - How did Berryman get medical help?
After paddling back to shore, Berryman drove himself to Kingscote Hospital, where he underwent surgery and received about 50 stitches. - Were his injuries life-threatening?
Doctors confirmed his injuries were serious but not life-threatening, and he was reported to be in stable condition. - Did the attack involve seals in any way?
Yes. The shark was believed to be chasing a seal nearby, which may have diverted the predator’s attention toward Berryman. - Has a shark attack occurred at D’Estrees Bay before?
Yes. In 2020, surfer Dion Lynch was also bitten by a shark at the same location but survived with injuries to his back and thighs. - What do experts say about shark attacks in the area?
Marine experts stated that shark attacks near Kangaroo Island are rare and that bronze whaler sharks are generally not aggressive toward humans.
