A man was treated by St John Ambulance paramedics after being brought to shore following a suspected shark attack at Michaelmas Island, near Albany. Photograph: Hans Wismeijer/AlamyA man was treated by St John Ambulance paramedics after being brought to shore following a suspected shark attack at Michaelmas Island, near Albany. Photograph: Hans Wismeijer/AlamyMan fighting for life after being bitten by shark off Western Australian coast

Government department says man was diving around Michaelmas Island, near Albany, when he was bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark

A male diver aged in his 30s is fighting for life after being bitten by a shark in Western Australia.

The state’s department of primary industries said the man was bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark just before 11.30am Saturday AWST, while he was diving near Michaelmas Island off the coast of Albany, about 375kms south-east of Perth.

St John Ambulance said on Saturday afternoon that multiple crews of paramedics remained at the scene treating the man, who had yet to be taken to hospital. They said he had suffered critical injuries.

The department of primary industries warned people to take additional caution in the Michaelmas Island area, and to adhere to any beach closures advised by local park rangers or surf life savers.

The department said it was working with police and other local authorities to coordinate the response to the incident.

– More to come

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