A local fisherman is recovering after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing off the coast of Urlings on Tuesday afternoon.

The man sustained a serious arm injury when the shark attacked him while he was diving about 75 feet below the surface shortly after 3 p.m. He was brought ashore by fellow fishermen, where Emergency Medical Services personnel stabilized him before transporting him to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

Junior Minister for Fisheries Randy Baltimore said the fisherman’s condition has improved significantly since the incident.

“He’s in good spirit. I must applaud the nurses and the doctors who attend to him. Thank God his injuries are not life-threatening. Speaking with his wife last evening, he’s coming along very well,” Baltimore told ABS News.

The attack has raised concerns among members of the fishing community, although officials have not released details about the species of shark involved or the exact location of the incident.