26-year-old Australian surfer Chris Blowes is reportedly in a critical condition in an Adelaide hospital after being attacked by a 6m Great White while surfing Fishery Bay, SA around 10am yesterday (Saturday) morning.

Witnesses claimed ‘the shark had his leg and was swimming around with it’ with his board still attached by the leash.

“It was horrific,” said one witness who asked not to be named.

“We got him out as quick as we could.”

South Australia is one of Australia’s most notorious sharky regions, particularly for Great Whites.

Fishery Bay was the site of previous Great White attack on a surfer, Jake Heron, in 2004.

The Royal Adelaide Hospital released the following statement on behalf of the Blowes family:

“On behalf of the family of Christopher Blowes, we would like to thank everyone for all the support and well wishes we have received at this very traumatic time, we are very grateful.”

“Currently our sole focus is on our unified, unconditional support and belief towards Christopher’s big fight he has ahead, and we ask that our privacy in being able to provide that is respected at this time.”

Right Point, Fishery Bay. Photo: Sunday Mail.

Despite warning being posted and roads closed following the attack, some local surfers were undeterred from paddling out later in the day.