Search resumes for missing Australian surfer after shark attack

Esperance, Western Australia. Photo / 123RF

A desperate search has resumed for a West Australian surfer who was taken by a shark on Friday.

Andrew Sharpe was surfing about 10.45am at Kelp Beds near Esperance when he was bitten and dragged below the surface. A surfboard with bite marks later washed ashore but the father-of-two is yet to be found.

It's the fifth incident in the area in just seven years, with a teenage girl killed at the same spot three years ago.

Locals said the shark-infested waters were "too dangerous" for surfers.

"Sharks are always prowling these waters at Esperance for years and for decades. We don't swim in these waters too far out from the shallow waters," Denise Colbung said.

Wayne Brennand said the Kelp Beds should be "closed permanently to surfing".

"Honestly, how many more people have to suffer?" he said.

The search, involving jet skis and boats, was called off due to a lack of daylight on Friday evening, but resumed on Saturday morning.

Vessels from Volunteer Marine Rescue, Department of Transport, Esperance Port Authority and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are scouring the waters in the Kelp Beds area.

State Emergency Service volunteers are conducting a land-based search.

Drones are monitoring the area from above, with police divers also joining the massive effort.

Esperance Senior Sergeant Justin Tarasinski said up to eight surfers were in the water at the time of the attack.

"The surfboard washed up nearby to where the attack occurred and with obvious signs of shark attack," he told reporters on Friday.

"The chances of survival are obviously pretty slim considering some of the accounts that have been provided to us."

Premier Mark McGowan described it as a "very sad and potentially tragic" situation.

Shire of Esperance president Ian Mickel said the community was saddened by the tragedy.

"It's extremely sad to hear there's been a shark attack again," he said.

"We've had a lot of attacks over the last seven years. It's just really, really disappointing."

Esperance Ocean Safety and Support committee member David Swan told NCA NewsWire everyone was devastated.

"Our thoughts are with the family and close friends.

"Everyone's in a bit of shock and feeling very sad."