Shark Attack 2
© fearbeneath.com
A man has been taken to hospital with a gash to his lower leg after being attacked by a shark at a Gold Coast beach this evening.

Lifeguards believe the 20-year-old engineering student who was surfing at Nobby Beach may have been attacked by a small bull shark about 5.05pm. *

He suffered a deep wound to his lower left leg.

Gold Coast chief lifeguard Warren Young told brisbanetimes.com.au lifesavers were on the scene within minutes and were able to stem the bleeding, before ambulance paramedics arrived to take the man to Gold Coast Hospital.

"The young bloke was with it the whole time, aware of what was going on," he said.

"He was in good spirits. He knows he was bitten by a shark."

It is understood the man was staying with friends or family directly opposite the beach.

Mr Young said small sharks were drawn close to shore by schools of bait fish at this time of year.

The injured man is currently in hospital in a stable condition.

- with Dan Nancarrow