Shark Attack Witnesses Say They Heard ‘Blood-Curdling Screams,’ as 66-Year-Old Victim Is Identified: Reports

Bystanders close to a shark attack in Australia heard “blood-curdling screams” during the incident, according to reports.

Richard Vinall was attacked by a shark off the Port Noarlunga jetty on Thursday, May 15, multiple outlets, including News.com.au, confirmed on Friday, May 16.

When the attack happened, Vinall was taking his usual morning swim at Port Noarlunga. The 66-year-old was around 500 feet from the shore when the attack happened at around 9:45 a.m. local time, according to 7NEWS and previous reporting by PEOPLE.

The screams are believed to have come from a woman who is thought to be the partner of Vinall, News.com.au reported, citing 9News.

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“She and the surf lifesaving club went out to help, then emergency services were called,” a diver told 7NEWS.

After being helped out of the water, Vinall was treated by paramedics at the scene while people evacuated from the sea.

The shark victim is reportedly being treated at the hospital for his thigh injuries.

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According to 7NEWS, a school group and a local diving group were also evacuated from the scene.

The outlet reported that Vinall is in critical but stable condition.

“Police are at the scene of a shark attack at Port Noarlunga,” South Australia Police wrote in a release on Thursday.

“About 9.45am today (Thursday 15 May), emergency services were called to the Port Noarlunga jetty after reports that a man swimming in the water had been bitten by a shark.”

Officials added, “He was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Swimmers have been evacuated from the water. Please avoid the area.”

PEOPLE has contacted South Australia Police for further comment.