Navy diver loses arm, may lose leg

12 Feb 2009, 6:56 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A navy clearance diver attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour has lost a hand and may lose a leg as well, his family says.

A navy clearance diver attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour has lost a hand and may lose a leg as well, his family says.

The family of Able Seaman Paul de Gelder has thanked medical staff and the navy and says he's in "high spirits" despite his serious injuries.

The 31-year-old was mauled between HMAS Kuttabul navy base at Garden Island and Mrs Macquarie's Chair on Wednesday when he was taking part in an underwater trial to test new naval defence technology.

He suffered serious wounds after fighting off what was believed to be a bull shark, which attacked just before 7am (AEDT), within sight of the Sydney Opera House.

"As a result of the attack, Paul has lost his right hand above the wrist and may lose his right leg, however, he is in high spirits," his family said in a statement released though the Defence Department on Thursday.

"The family are very appreciative of the excellent medical services provided by the navy for Paul now and into the future and are thankful for the ongoing assistance the navy is providing to the family.

"The family would like to thank Paul's surgeons and the staff at St Vincent's Hospital for the excellent care they have provided."

A hospital spokeswoman on Thursday said Able Seaman de Gelder remained in a serious but stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery on Wednesday and was expected to remain at St Vincent's until at least Monday.

The diver's relatives also thanked the fellow divers and paramedics who initially helped him after the attack.

"The family would particularly like to thank those who provided Paul with initial assistance and worked so quickly to get him to hospital," the family said.

On Wednesday, Australian Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Nigel Coates could not say whether Able Seaman de Gelder - who has been in the defence force for eight years - would be able to return to work.

The navy had suspended the diving exercise and would review further diving operations in the harbour, he said.

Marine experts say the attack is a reminder regenerated sea life is bringing predators back to the iconic waterway.

The last shark fatality in Sydney Harbour was in 1963 when Martha Hathaway died from a bull shark attack.

In 1996, a drunken swimmer was bitten on the buttocks by a bull shark in the Parramatta River, followed by shark attacks on kayakers on the river in 2000 and 2002.

In 2000, a man was bitten by a shark while swimming in the harbour at Mosman.

Organisers of the Sydney Harbour Swim Classic say the event will go ahead on March 1 despite the attack.

The invitational swim will go from Fort Denison to the Opera House, and more than 850 swimmers are expected to compete in the main event between the Opera House and Farm Cove.

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