Woman Killed in 'Unusual' Shark Attack

By Sam StevensonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

A woman has been killed and a man seriously injured in a rare shark attack off the coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Why It Matters

A fatal shark attack at Kylies Beach has raised concerns regarding swimmer safety at Australia's remote and unpatrolled beaches, as well as the increased frequency of shark encounters.

The incident involved a rare double attack by a single shark on two European tourists, both in their 20s. It is the fifth shark bite fatality in Australia this year, underscoring ongoing debates over coastal management and shark detection technology.

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What To Know

On Thursday morning, emergency services were called to Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, on Australia's New South Wales mid-north coast, after a report of a shark attack involving two swimmers.

The attack, which one expert described as "unusual," occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. local time.

According to New South Wales Police Chief Inspector Timothy Bayly, a young woman and a man were bitten by a large bull shark while swimming together.

Witnesses at the beach rendered aid, and paramedics arrived soon after.

Despite their efforts, the woman died at the scene.

The man suffered serious injuries to his leg, but a bystander used clothing to fashion a makeshift tourniquet, which NSW Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth said "potentially saved his life."

The man was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where his condition later improved from critical to serious but stable.

Forensic assessment by shark scientists at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries concluded that the attacker was a "large bull shark."

The department subsequently deployed five "smart" drum lines to the area to help capture and tag the shark, as Kylies Beach previously lacked shark detection devices.

Drum lines and a listening station—located 40 km and 20 km away, respectively—did not detect any sharks on the morning of the incident.

What People Are Saying

Steve Pearce, the chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, said: "This is a terrible tragedy and our deepest condolences go to the families of the woman and man involved. For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards."

NSW Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth said: "The courage from some bystanders is amazing. To put yourself out there is very heroic and it did give us time to get to that male patient."

Rob Harcourt, an emeritus professor of marine ecology at Macquarie University, said: "It is quite unusual, but it's not unheard of."

Gavin Naylor, the director of the International Shark Attack File, told the Associated Press: "Individual shark attacks are rare. And shark attacks on two people by the same individual are not unheard of, but are very rare."

What Happens Next

Authorities ordered Kylies Beach and neighboring beaches closed for at least 24 hours. Drones are being used to survey the coastline for shark activity, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

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