BYRON BAY, Australia -- A brave Australian veterinarian had to reach into the jaws of a shark in order to save it from an aluminum gaffe hook stuck in its stomach.

Related Content: Video | Images

The 10-foot-long grey nurse shark carried around the hook for two weeks.

Trevor Long, director of marine services at Sea World, was given the job of capturing the shark.

Veterinarian David Blyde then had the difficult task of removing the giant hook.

Using a wide PVC pipe for protection, Blyde reached into the shark's gut to remove the hook in an operation that took 45 minutes.

There were anxious moments when the shark panicked and shook her body.

"As a veterinarian, you often end up putting your hands in places that people find somewhat unattractive," Blyde said.

The story has a happy ending -- the shark was returned safely to Byron Bay.

The grey nurse shark is listed as an endangered species.