Authorities said the 13-foot white pointer that chomped on Jason Cull's leg Saturday was probably drawn to the Middleton beach area near Albany by a sick dolphin, The Australian reported. It was one of three sharks seen circling the area.

The 37-year-old man was swimming about 250 feet offshore when the shark attacked. Cull said the shark dragged him about five feet underwater. He said he poked it in the eye and started swimming for shore.

A volunteer at a local surf club heard his cries for help and pulled him to safety, The Australian reported.

Cull was hospitalized following surgery on his left leg.

The city of Albany said the body of a dolphin that apparently had died of illness was removed from the beach Monday morning.