Quebec diver injured in great white shark attack

A divemaster in training is in stable condition at a hospital following a great white shark attack off the coast of Percé, Quebec. The incident occurred on the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula during a routine 10-metre diving session.

According to Jean-François Vézina, vice-chair of Plongée Percé’s board of directors, the diver sustained multiple lacerations to the upper body. The attack took place during a three-minute safety stop at five metres below the surface. An instructor reported hearing a noise and seeing the shark in contact with the diver before the animal swam away within seconds.

While sharks have been spotted in the area previously, Vézina noted that this is the first recorded encounter of its kind in Percé. The injured diver was able to remove his own equipment and receive first aid on the company boat before being transported to the hospital.