SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Western Australia's Margaret River Pro surf event has been called off by organisers on Wednesday, due to the elevated risk of sharks after two local men were attacked in separate incidents earlier in the week.
With the contest suspended yesterday, World Surf League (WSL) Chief executive Sophie Goldschmidt said in a statement today it was a difficult decision to cancel the popular annual event, but surfer and staff safety are paramount.
"The situation in Margaret River is unique right now with the presence of actively aggressive sharks in the area," she said.
"The WSL puts the highest premium on safety."
"This cannot be just talk, and it cannot be compromised."
On Monday two surfers were lucky to have survived separate attacks just six kilometers away from the main break at Margaret River.
The first incident occurred at Cobblestones beach in Gracetown on Monday, when 37 year old Alejandro Travaglini was mauled by a shark with the attack requiring him to undergo emergency surgery on both legs.
Just hours later at a nearby beach known as Lefthanders, Jason Longgrass, 41, was also bitten on the leg.
Earlier that morning Surf Life Saving Western Australia reported several sightings of sharks in the area, including a four-meter Great White.
According to Australia's Shark Smart website, a decomposing whale carcass closeby is likely to be what has attracted the predators.
"That could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast," a statement said.