Brisbane, Australia - A surfer has been attacked and seriously injured by a shark off the east coast of Australia.

"Be careful out there," the Crescent Head beach's Facebook page warned after a vicious accident.

Joe Hoffman was pulled from the water on Monday by eyewitnesses at the popular beach between Brisbane and Sydney.

The 20-year-old was surfing with a friend at the time, who did not see the attack.

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He was given first aid until emergency services arrived, 9News reported on Tuesday.

The experienced surfer had very serious injuries to his arm and was airlifted to the hospital.

Authorities believe from bite marks on the victim's surfboard that it was most likely an attack from a great white shark measuring around ten feet long.

"Much praise must be given to bystanders who helped the man from the water and provided that crucial initial first aid," New South Wales Ambulance Inspector Andrew Beverley said.

The beach was temporarily closed after the attack. Despite the water's freezing temperatures this time of year, Crescent Head is popular with surfers because of its waves.

Hoffman is recovering in John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he remains in serious condition.