A CLOSE encounter with a 2.5-metre shark on Thursday morning has left a Mandurah woman concerned, but not for her own safety.
Charlie Ring was swimming at Silver Sands beach about 7.30am when the shark, whose species remains unknown, came within inches of her.
Badly injured, according to Ms Ring, the shark was described as being off-balance and struggling to swim properly.
And once the initial shock wore off, the keen swimmer’s attention turned to the wounded marine animal.
“I was walking out and the water was waist-deep when I saw it,” Ms Ring said.
“I just kind of froze; I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
“I stood completely still.”
I wasn’t going to run, I knew I wouldn’t make it.
- Charlie Ring
Ms Ring said the shark swam past her before turning and heading straight towards her.
“I just watched it,” she said.
“I wasn’t going to run, I knew I wouldn’t make it.
“I was getting ready to punch it if I had to, but as I stepped towards it, it veered off.”
Ms Ring, who has only just moved to Mandurah, said the shark had a gaping wound the size of a bowling ball in its head and was missing part of its tail fin.
“I’m worried it was really badly injured,” she said.
“I think it could have been a hook injury.
“It’s made me feel sick.”
A strong opponent to the baiting of drum lines along the coast to catch sharks, Ms Ring said she was concerned the controversial policy was attracting more sharks to the area.
She notified police and within an hour an alert was posted by Fisheries officers.
But Ms Ring remained concerned the shark was still ailing.
“I think it’s still out there,” she said.
“It couldn’t have gone far.
“I could tell it was dying.”
Ms Ring said the close encounter would not put her off swimming at the beach.
“I know the risks are there,” she said.
“Every time I go in the water I take a risk.
“But I will go back in.”
Anyone who spots the shark, or any other shark, is asked to contact water police on 9442 8600.
