At 3.30pm today police and ambulance were called to Kina Beach, approximately half way between Nelson and Motueka where a male swimmer had been attacked by a passing and possibly hungry shark.

The male swimmer suffered deep torso wounds with possibly internal injuries. He has been transferred to Nelson hospital by helicopter for treatment.

Police are clearing the public at this and nearby beaches.

Can radio stations for the area please make a broadcast for the public to stay out of the water for their own safety for the rest of today.

The location of the shark is not known at present.

New Zealand Police Alert 3:00pm 7 Feb 2009 Tasman

Location of incident: Kina Beach, Motueka

Incident type: Release 2 re Shark Attack

Media release on behalf of Sergeant Rob CRAWFORD.
'7th February 2009
SHARK ATTACK
At about 3-00 pm on Saturday the 7th day of February 2009 a 47 year old male was attacked by what is thought to be a shark while swimming at Kina Beach near Motueka.

The shark was not sighted by the victim and it is unknown what type or how big the shark was.

The victim has received a bite to the torso area and has been flown to Nelson Hospital by the Rescue helicopter.

His condition has been described as stable.

Police are in the process of clearing all the beaches between Kaiteriteri in the North to Nelson beaches in the south.

Local radio stations were contacted warning the public of this incident.

The Department of Conservation has been contacted and are liaising with the police

A plane is also been used in an attempt to locate the shark.

We advise the public not to enter the water at any of the beaches in this area for the rest of the day.

We also request that if there are sightings of any sharks to dial 111 and inform the Police Communications Centre