Shark Attack Victim Shares Images of Shocking 10 Inch Thigh Scar from Attack by Great White: ‘No Hard Feelings’

A man who survived a shark attack off Kangaroo Island now believes he was bitten by a Great White Shark — not a Bronze Whaler, as he first thought.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Shark Watch South Australia announced in a Facebook post that Lee Berryman had confirmed the predator responsible for his Oct. 7 attack at D’Estrees Bay was a Great White. The update revises earlier reports suggesting the culprit was a Bronze Whaler.

In October, South Australia Police said a man in his 50s had driven himself to the hospital after being bitten at D’Estrees Bay. At the time, Shark Watch South Australia — a non-profit promoting shark awareness — reported that the bite appeared consistent with a Bronze Whaler.

Berryman later explained that the shark’s “bronze complexion” initially led him to that conclusion. “White Sharks can also have a top-side with a bronze colour,” he told the organization.

According to Shark Watch South Australia, the bite mark on Berryman’s thigh measured over 10 inches (27 cm), suggesting the shark was roughly 3 meters long. His surfboard, which broke during the incident, bore tooth marks that were “too wide to be a Bronze Whaler” and matched those of a Great White. A Great White was also sighted in the area around the time of the attack.

Berryman shared photos of his injury, which required more than 50 stitches. He told Australian outlet 7News that the shark bit him only once, saying it “chomped” on him before letting go.

“I was swimming out and the shark just grabbed me,” Berryman recalled. “Its nose was close to me, so I just started belting it and it let go. As soon as I felt it grab me, I thought, ‘That’s the little f—– that was here the other day!’ ”

As he swam back to shore, Shark Watch South Australia said two seals appeared nearby, with one pup circling him until he reached safety.

Berryman is now recovering and “walking around,” though he can’t sit for long periods. The organization said it plans to feature him on an upcoming episode of its Sharks Cast series.

Having surfed D’Estrees Bay for 43 years, Berryman remains unfazed by the encounter. He continues to emphasize his respect for marine life. “Sharks are not an issue for Lee,” the organization noted, “and he wants to make it clear there’s no hard feelings towards them after his ordeal.”