Diver to lose leg after shark attack

A Navy diver who lost his hand after being attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour
says he is about to have his leg amputated, but is looking forward to rebuilding his
life and career.
Navy clearance diver Able Seaman Paul de Gelder was mauled while working between
HMAS Kuttabul navy base at Garden Island and Mrs Macquarie's Chair about dawn last
Wednesday.
The 31-year-old was taking part in an underwater trial to test new naval defence
technology when what is believed to have been a bull shark attacked him.
"I will today have my right leg amputated," Mr de Gelder said in a statement
released through the defence department on Wednesday.
He said the past week had been overwhelming, and he would not have survived without
the support of numerous people.
Mr de Gelder described his colleagues and mates Leading Seaman Clearance Diver
Jeremy Thomas, Able Seaman Clearance Diver Ryan Dart and Seaman Clearance Diver
Arthur McLachlin as "a couple of heroes".
"(They) pulled me out of the water and saved me from what I understand was a three
metre Bull Shark," he said.
He also offered his thanks to the paramedics "who got me to the hospital within an
inch of my life", as well as the doctors and staff of St Vincent's Hospital.
He said that his family, friends and workmates had shown him limitless support since
the attack.
"During this stressful time, they are keeping a smile on my face and love in my heart.
"I'm looking forward to rebuilding my life and taking on the new challenges I have
to face.
"Ultimately I would like to return to what I love - Navy diving."
He praised the Royal Australian Navy for its support, and said there were too many
others to thank them by name.
"There are so many people who have sent their best wishes and support that I
couldn't possibly name them all, but each of them have helped me to rise above this
potentially life shattering situation and I thank them all."
A spokesman for St Vincents Hospital said Mr de Gelder remained in a stable
condition in the hospital's Naval ward.
Scientists say a bull shark the size of a small car attacked the navy diver.
NSW government scientists conducted tests on Mr de Gelder's wetsuit to find out more
about the animal, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said.
"These tests have revealed a bull shark about 2.7 metres long, or the length of a
small sedan, was responsible for the attack," he said in a statement.
Scientists are also continuing investigations into the species of shark that
attacked a Sydney surfer last Thursday.
A 33-year-old man, named in the media as Glenn Orgias, was savaged by a shark while
surfing at the iconic Bondi Beach at dusk.
His hand was almost severed in the attack and he remains in a stable condition in St
Vincent's Hospital.
"We expect those results within the next few days," Mr Macdonald said.
He said bull sharks thrive in murky water and their numbers are usually higher in
Sydney Harbour in February and March as they hunt baitfish.
He reiterated warnings for swimmers not to take to the water at dawn and dusk -
prime feeding times for sharks.