Gracetown shark attack victim Alex Travaglini arrived home in Margaret River this week following a week of surgeries, determined to effect positive change from last week’s dramatic encounter.
Mr Travaglini was bitten three times by the 4 metre shark during a morning surf at Cobblestones surf break, north of Margaret River.
“I’m really overwhelmed by the amount of support and love I’ve gotten in the last seven days,” he told the Mail on Tuesday.
“It makes me so proud to be part of this community, the way they’ve looked after us.”
Despite receiving serious injuries to his legs which required multiple operations and intensive monitoring to stave off potential infection.
“I’m very very lucky that it didn’t damage any tendons, ligaments or arteries – the main damage was muscle and that’s easier to heal,” he explained.
“There was a concern over infection so they had me on an IV with antibiotics and they’ve run tests and said that there’s no risk and I can go home.”
Surfers and sponsors of the cancelled 2018 Margaret River Pro threw their support behind Mr Travaglini following the attack, donating a host of prizes to be raffled and auctioned to help with the lengthy recovery period.
Gnarabup bar and bistro The Common hosted the event, with a selection of surfing memorabilia and autographed items going under the hammer to reach $11,000.
“I’m really stoked with what’s happened and the fundraiser was bloody awesome, I couldn’t believe what was raised.”
A Go Fund Me page has also garnered more than $15,600 in donations since being launched last week, with many of the donors familiar names and businesses in the Margaret River region.
It’s gone too far, the government isn’t doing anything, and I want to make sure the government is listening to us.
- Alex Travaglini, shark attack survivor
More importantly to the 37 year old was the community spirit and rallying around his family that made an impact and that he planned to direct some funds to a related cause.
“I am insured, and I will always find a way to look after my family, but this will really help us out and make sure that I can get the follow up care and time I need to heal,” he said.
“I want to give back and I don’t want to waste this opportunity.
“It’s gone too far, the government isn’t doing anything, and I want to make sure the government is listening to us.”
Mr Travaglini said he accepted responsibility for being in the water but said comments made by WA Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly suggesting surfers were at fault for the attacks were unfair.
“Sharks attack very randomly, and that shark was swimming along that coastline looking for food, and I happened to be the one it got.
“If it wasn't me, it would have been someone else, and the Minister should look at his words and realise that he also has a job to do in making an effort to keep all people in the water safe.”
Mr Travaglini said he did not necessarily want to see a shark cull, but that there were actions that could be taken that would reduce the number of sharks along the popular coastal stretch.
Speaking to the Mail on his way home to Margaret River, he said the media attention was difficult to handle but he planned to leverage what he could to make an impact.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was really just focused on getting better and making sure my family were okay, but I was bombarded by people from all over the globe wanting to have a chat,” Mr Travaglini said.
Media outlets from around Australia as well as the US and Argentina were on the line, keen to hear first hand the dramatic account of the attack and subsequent rescue.
“I’m a pretty private person, and to not only be dealing with my legs being smashed up but all the calls and messages was hard to keep up with.
“I couldn’t be more proud to live in Margaret River, it’s an amazing place to live and the community is so strong.
“I’ve got plans to take the issue further and see if I can’t use this situation to push for some changes that will keep more people safe and enjoying our coastline.”
