In a dramatic encounter captured on video, Western Australian surfer Jason Longgrass survived a close call with a massive 15-foot shark while surfing off Gracetown, a popular but shark-prone stretch of coastline. The incident, which unfolded amid official warnings about shark activity, highlights the persistent dangers faced by those who venture into these waters and the remarkable resilience required to escape such an attack.
The footage, obtained by 7 NEWS, shows the terrifying moment the shark—believed to be a Great White—beelined directly toward Longgrass. Onlookers on the shore can be heard shouting urgent warnings. “He’s gone… no he’s swimming, he’s swimming, come on mate, chopper’s coming back. Chopper’s coming back!” one witness yelled as the drama unfolded. With the shark’s jaws clamped firmly around his surfboard, the 41-year-old made a courageous dash toward the beach, ultimately reaching safety despite sustaining a deep laceration on his right leg.
Longgrass later recounted the split-second sequence of events to Seven News Perth. “It was just heading straight for me, beelining it straight at me,” he said. “I went to slap the water, but then he made a sudden acceleration and just nailed the board. It wasn’t looking at me it was looking at the board.”
Bystanders rushed to the water’s edge to assist the injured surfer. One helper, visibly shaken, told him, “You’re a lucky man. Oh my god.” The board remained lodged in the shark’s mouth as Longgrass swam to shore, an image that has since circulated widely and underscored both the ferocity of the animal and the surfer’s composure under extreme pressure.
The attack on Longgrass was not isolated. Just hours earlier, a 37-year-old man was bitten on the lower leg at Cobblestones beach in the same area, adding to growing concerns about shark activity in the region.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from the international surfing community, currently preparing for competition nearby. Brazilian world champion Gabriel Medina voiced serious safety fears on social media: “Today they had two shark attacks on a beach close to where we’re competing. I do not feel safe training and competing in this kind of place, anytime anything can happen to one of us. Hope not. Leaving my opinion before it’s too late!”
His compatriot and fellow elite surfer Italo Ferreira echoed similar sentiments, amplifying calls for better risk management in the area.
The events have intensified a broader political and public debate in Western Australia over shark management strategies. The state’s Liberal opposition has criticized the current approach, arguing that repeated attacks are damaging the region’s reputation and that cost should not hinder effective solutions. Opposition leader Mike Nahan has advocated for a comprehensive package including clever buoys, SMART drumlines, drones, and the reopening of the southwest shark fishery.
In response, the Labour government has highlighted its subsidy program for personal shark deterrents. Deputy Premier Roger Cook indicated that authorities are now open to trialing SMART drumlines as part of ongoing efforts to balance ocean safety with marine conservation concerns.
Gracetown’s challenging conditions serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks in areas where large sharks and human recreation overlap. While Longgrass’s escape demonstrates the potential for survival even in dire circumstances, the back-to-back incidents have reignited discussions about proactive measures to prevent future tragedies. As top athletes and local officials weigh in, the focus remains on finding sustainable ways to protect both people and the marine environment that draws so many to these iconic shores.