Scarborough butcher Brian ‘Pud’ Audus (age 25) from Scarborough SLSC was riding a chest board at Yallingup Main Break when he was bitten on his right arm by a 6 to 9ft shark on 13 April 1963. Other surfers rushed to his assistance and formed a raft of boards to bring Pud back to shore before Alan White from Trigg SLSC appeared on the scene with the Trigg Surf Boat. Pud was rushed to Busselton Hospital where the bleeding was stemmed, he remained conscious throughout. He was later taken to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment and more than 200 stitches were inserted in his shredded arm. It was salmon season at the time and 50 sharks were caught up to 10 days after this attack.
Pioneer WA surfer Dave Williams interviewed ‘Pud’ in Royal Perth Hospital after the shark attack for Surfing World magazine. See below.
Dave Williams’ interview appeared in Surfing World Mag June 1963 Vol 2. No. 4. Image courtesy Sara Lahiff
Cover of Surfing World Mag June 1963 Vol 2. No. 4 reported the WA shark attack. Image courtesy Sara Lahiff.
Four surfboard riders who helped rescue Pud were awarded bravery awards from the Life Saving Association of Australia. Source West Australian 12 Nov 1963.
1963 Surfboard riders receive Awards for Bravery. West Australian Newspapers 12 Nov 1963.
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