SYDNEY, Australia (18 Feb 2009) — A Navy diver who lost his hand after being attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour says he is about to have his leg amputated, but is looking forward to rebuilding his life and career. Navy clearance diver Able Seaman Paul de Gelder was mauled while working between HMAS Kuttabul navy base at Garden Island and Mrs Macquarie's Chair about dawn last Wednesday. The 31-year-old was taking part in an underwater trial to test new naval defence technology when what is believed to have been a bull shark attacked him. "I will today have my right leg amputated," Mr de Gelder said in a statement released through the defence department on Wednesday. He said the past week had been overwhelming, and he would not have survived without the support of numerous people. Mr de Gelder described his colleagues and mates Leading Seaman Clearance Diver Jeremy Thomas, Able Seaman Clearance Diver Ryan Dart and Seaman Clearance Diver Arthur McLachlin as "a couple of heroes". "(They) pulled me out of the water and saved me from what I understand was a three metre Bull Shark," he said. He also offered his thanks to the paramedics "who got me to the hospital within an inch of my life", as well as the doctors and staff of St Vincent's Hospital. He said that his family, friends and workmates had shown him limitless support since the attack. "During this stressful time, they are keeping a smile on my face and love in my heart. "I'm looking forward to rebuilding my life and taking on the new challenges I have to face. "Ultimately I would like to return to what I love - Navy diving." He praised the Royal Australian Navy for its support, and said there were too many others to thank them by name. | | Navy diver Paul de Gelder, 31, was attacked by a bull shark while scuba diving in Sydney Harbour. "There are so many people who have sent their best wishes and support that I couldn't possibly name them all, but each of them have helped me to rise above this potentially life shattering situation and I thank them all." A spokesman for St Vincents Hospital said Mr de Gelder remained in a stable condition in the hospital's Naval ward. The shark attack was the first of two in Sydney last week. A 33-year-old man, named in the media as Glenn Orgias, was savaged by a shark while surfing at the iconic Bondi Beach at dusk last Thursday. His hand was almost severed in an attack and he also remains in a stable condition in St Vincent's Hospital. |
