Friends and surfers have rallied to support shark attack victim Ben Gerring, who is fighting for his life in hospital after being mauled south of Perth.
Witnesses say the 29-year-old fly-in fly-out worker lost a leg above the knee after being bitten while surfing at a spot known as Gearies at Falcon on Tuesday afternoon.
Ben Spronk posted on Facebook: "I have been surfing in Mandurah for the last 25 years and this is the first bad attack to anyone I know! Be strong Ben, my brother! We all hope you are ok!"
Craig Webster wrote: "In deep shock right now, Ben is a champion bloke, my thoughts are with you Ben and Jazz, and family, wishing you a speedy recovery. All the best."
Tarsh Wright Webster posted: "Praying very hard for you Ben. You are in the very best care at RPH (Royal Perth Hospital). Also to the people who rescued him, you are heroes. Well done."
Harry Mcpherson said: "You're a fighter my brother, knew you would pull through, keep punching my man."
Jarrod Pevitt wrote: "Hang in there Benno. Thinking of you and how strong you are dude."
Even people who do not know Mr Gerring have been rocked by the incident.
Deanna Moulton posted: "I don't know this young man but I would like his family and friends and the young man himself to know ... we are all thinking of them at this very distressing time and when Ben comes home that the community will be there to help them should they need it."
Lynne Finlay said: "All of us Mandurah surfers are thinking of you and your family mate hoping you will be home soon."
Brad Higgins posted on the Mandurah Board Riders Facebook page that there was a free counselling service available.
"Ben's a fighter and thoughts are with his family and friends," he said.
