Shark halts competition at Drug Aware Pro

At the infamous Southside break, Margaret River, Western Australia, a shark sighting by a competitor has derailed the third day of competition at the Drug Aware Pro Margaret River presented by O’Neill.

It was Amee Donohoe who saw the shark as she was paddling back out to the line-up after catching a wave in the ninth heat of the morning’s action. Currently rated fourth in the world, she was also leading the heat at the time, when she saw what she described as a "massive fin and a wide girth" and quickly made her way back in.

"I was paddling back out through the channel and saw this massive fin, it was really wide. I got a pretty good look at it - good enough to not want to stay in the water."

Donohoe alerted her fellow competitors and event organisers, bringing a swift end to the competition.


Locals have reported a spate of shark sightings in recent weeks.

Based upon ASP rules, the heat will be re-started and all scores will still remain. Also, as a matter of safety, jet skis will patrol the competition area to keep the situation under control and provide the surfers with a hasty escape from the water if needed.