THE family of surfer Toby Begg who was mauled by a massive 14ft great white shark has shared a major update on his condition.
The 44-year-old surfer was left fighting for his life after battling with the predator for half a minute on New South Wales‘ mid-coast.
Toby was surfing at Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie on Friday morning when he was attacked by the beast.
The dad-of-two wrestled with the shark for about 30 seconds – in a fight that cost him his leg as the predator overpowered him and sunk its teeth into him.
Other surfers rushed to help Toby to the shore and started first aid before he was raced to hospital with serious injuries.
After undergoing several operations, his condition has improved but he still has a long way to recovery, Toby’s family has said.
His brother-in-law Chris Lenihan said Toby suffered “extremely serious and life-changing” injuries in the attack.
He said: “It is very early stages and the full extent of his injuries are being uncovered.
“However, he will require many surgeries and has years of rehabilitation ahead of him.”
Chris described Toby as a “loving partner” to his sister Tracy and dad to the couple’s two “beautiful” children.
“He is a skilled builder, runs a business and is the family breadwinner.”
“It is very early stages and the full extent of his injuries are being uncovered however, he will require many surgeries and has years of rehabilitation ahead of him,” he added.
The family has launched a GoFundme page to help raise funds for Toby’s recovery.
Police said Toby was surfing with six others when he was bitten in a “fairly sustained and prolonged attack”.
Chief Inspector Martin Burke from NSW Police said: “The reports are that a man has tried to fight this shark for 30 seconds and has then swum himself to shore where he has realised he has sustained significant lower leg injuries.
“From what I understand, it was a sustained and prolonged attack.”
After seeing Toby getting attacked, an emergency doctor instructed others to gather sticks so he could fashion a makeshift tourniquet.
A teen girl who witnessed the shark attack unfold told how Toby was “frozen” in fear as bystanders rushed to help him.
She told NBN: “His foot ripped off and basically he was bleeding everywhere.
“They were trying to talk to him, he was silent, he was frozen.
“They tried to tie his leg with the leg rope from the surfboard and some sticks to keep it straight.”
Experts will use drones to determine the species and size of the shark that mauled the man, which is currently believed to have been a large Great White.
Mid North Coast Lifeguard Coordinator James Turnham said it had been nearly ten years since a shark attack in the area.
