A woman has died and a man is fighting for his life after a shark attack at a remote beach in New South Wales, Australia, marking the country’s fifth fatal shark encounter this year.
The incident occurred early Thursday morning at Kylies Beach in the Crowdy Bay National Park, approximately 300km north of Sydney. Police reported that the woman, believed to be in her 20s, died at the scene. The male victim, also in his 20s, was airlifted to a Newcastle hospital in critical condition after a bystander applied a makeshift tourniquet to his leg.
Authorities praised the bystander’s quick thinking, with NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth calling the act “heroic” and stating it “potentially saved his life” by giving paramedics crucial time to reach the remote location.
The Department of Primary Industries identified the likely predator as a “large bull shark,” a species known to be one of the most dangerous to humans. In response, the beach has been closed, and “smart” drumlines have been deployed to capture, tag, and relocate sharks. Surf Life Saving NSW has also closed surrounding beaches for 24 hours and is conducting aerial surveillance via drones.
“This is a terrible tragedy and our deepest condolences go to the families,” said Steve Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW. The attack is a somber reminder of the risks in Australian waters, coming less than three months after the last fatal shark attack in the region.
By James Kisoo
