From his hospital bed, Kiama shark attack victim Brett Connellan has asked that his ordeal not be used as cause for a shark hunt.
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The Kiama Downs surfer remains in a stable condition at St George Hospital after spending eight hours in theatre on Sunday.
According to colleagues from area creatives collective, Local Artist Division, the procedure went well.
“Bretty went into surgery today, an eight or nine hour surgery, on his birthday (of all days),” a post to the group’s website said.
“Reports from the doctors are the surgery went well. But it's the outcome that we all need stay positive for and send out our super happy, shaka vibes for.”
Family friend Wayne Phillips addressed media the hospital Thursday afternoon, less than 20 hours after an unknown species of shark tore away part of Mr Connellan's thigh in a twilight attack at Bombo Beach.
Mr Phillips said Mr Connellan was surrounded by close friends and family.
"Brett has said that he knows the risks and respects surfing," Mr Phillips said.
"He's been a surfer all his life and he doesn't want this attack to result in a sort of shark hunt."
Kiama beaches were closed on Thursday and Friday as authorities searched – unsuccessfully – for the shark involved in Wednesday’s attack.
Mr Connellan was pulled from the water by friend Joel Trist and had his injuries - including a second wound to his hand - quickly tended to.
Ambulance NSW Illawarra district officer Inspector Terry Morrow credited those who came to Mr Connellan’s immediate aid with saving his life.
"He had lost a large proportion of his left thigh, and the quad muscle was torn away right down to the bone,” Insp Morrow said.
“He could've bled to death before we arrived.”
A fundraiser event for Mr Connellan is in planning.
Meantime, cash donations are being collected at DP Surfboards in Thirroul, where Mr Connellan works as a manager, and via a trust fund set up in his name.
Use BSB 012709 and account number 298964661 to donate to the Brett Connellan Trust