Man shot with speargun

Police were still investigating a spearfishing incident in Port Stephens today (Saturday March 4, 2016) after a man was shot in the stomach with a speargun while diving with his mate yesterday.

The injured man was shot while spear fishing in Shoal Bay about 1.45pm (Friday, March 4, 2016).

The man, named Kris Bithel, survived after being shot in the stomach with a spear and swimming to shore with the 1.5m-long shaft still protruding from his stomach.

A keen spear fisher, Bithel was 30m from shore when he was accidentally shot and the spear went 15-20cm into his stomach. He said he thought he was kicked by his mate's flipper till he looked down.

"To swim with that... with a big metal rod hanging our your stomach... is excruciating," he told NBN News from his hospital bed.

The injured man was reportedly picked up by a rescue boat, transferred to an
ambulance and then airlifted by Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Newcastle
John Hunter Hospital with the spear still protruding from his torso.

The 24-year-old man was spear fishing with a 16-year-old boy off the eastern end of Shoal Bay Beach near Tomaree Headland when the incident occurred, Police said.

Police have been told the boy’s spear was shot at the man, striking him in the stomach.

Emergency services were called, and the man was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery.

His condition was reported as stable by NBN News afterwards. Bithel has since said he is just glad to be alive when he was interviewed from his hospital bed.

Officers attached to Port Stephens Local Area Command attended and commenced investigations. The boy was spoken to by police at the scene.

Initial inquiries have led Police to believe the incident was not deliberate, they reported.

"As soon as I can stand up and kick my legs I'll be jumpin' in the water," Bithel said from his hospital bed. "I've bought all new dive gear as well so I can't let that go to waste."

There have been a few accidental speargun injuries over the years including a 13yo boy who had to be dragged to shore after accidentally firing a speargun into his leg at Towradgi Beach in the Illawarra in 2014.

NSW Fisheries launched a Spearfishing Safety Education Action Plan in 2015. Take care when spear fishing. Here are some tips...

SPEARFISHING SAFETY RULES
These safety rules are intended to minimise the risk of injury or mishap to divers engaged in spearfishing.

Divers are encouraged to adopt these rules without exception and to promote them among divers who may not be familiar with them. It is the responsibility of all participants to make our sport as safe as possible.

While engaged in spearfishing you should:
>> Tow a safety coloured float (yellow, orange or red) with an international “code A” flag (signifying diver below) displayed in a vertical position above the float, It is highly recommended that you colour your float fluoro yellow green & also carry a flag of this colour on the float with the alpha flag.
>> Display a “code A” (diver below) alpha flag on your boat & it is highly recommended that you fly a similar sized fluoro yellow green flag directly below the Alpha flag.
>> Attach game to the towed float so that the game is carried away from your body.
>> Carry a knife that is attached to your body which is readily accessible.
>> Carry a plastic whistle and a reflective signal mirror.
>> Wear a weight belt fitted with a single hand operated, quick-release buckle.
>> Never load or carry a loaded speargun out of the water (always load a speargun after entering the water and unload the speargun before seeking to leave the water).
>> Ensure that spear tips are suitably sheathed or removed while not in use.
>> Ensure that you are not under the influence of any drugs or medication that may impair your senses, judgment or physical ability.
>> Cease diving if for any reason you are not feeling well.
>> Take liquids to ensure that you do not suffer the effects of dehydration.
>> Avoid hyperventilating before holding your breath.
>> Always dive with a friend and tell someone where you will be diving and your estimated time of return.
>> Obtain a current weather report for the time that you will be diving.
>> Be on the alert for boat traffic and ensure that you are visible to passing vessels.
>> Be aware of the General Public and do not engage in actions which may endanger them.

More on the NSW Spearfishing Safety Education Action Plan here.