Diver taken by sharks near Coffin Bay

Steven Rice and Michael Milnes -

An abalone diver is presumed dead after two great white sharks attacked him near the surface off the state's West Coast.

The skipper of the aluminium boat from which the diver was working saw the attack. which happened south of Perforated Island, about 25km west of Coffin Bay.

He arrived at the Point Avoid boat ramp in the Coffin Bay National Park about 6.30pm and was treated for shock by paramedics.

It was not known what time the shark attack happened.

The Advertiser understands the skipper told ambulance officers: "I saw the beast come up and take him. There's no way he could have survived."

One local, who did not want to be named, said the area where the attack happened was a popular abalone diving location and sharks were common in the area.

Port Lincoln CIB detectives were investigating the circumstances of the incident.

In a statement last night, police Senior Constable Tim Dodds said two sharks had been blamed for the attack.

"It has been reported that the diver was returning to the surface some time (yesterday) afternoon when two sharks, believed to be great whites, have grabbed him."

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