Tragic End for Swiss Couple Who Loved Australian Coast
A young Swiss couple who dreamed of extending their stay in Australia met a tragic end when a bull shark attacked them during an early morning swim at an unpatrolled beach.
Livia Mühlheim, 25, and her boyfriend Lukas Schindler, 26, were swimming at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay, south of Port Macquarie, when the three-metre shark struck at approximately 6.30am on Thursday.
Desperate Struggle Against Predator
The couple had been enjoying the peaceful morning waters when the attack occurred. Ms Mühlheim had been filming dolphins with her GoPro camera when the bull shark suddenly bit her multiple times, severing her left arm in the violent assault.
Mr Schindler, a recently qualified diving instructor, immediately sprang into action, desperately fighting the massive shark to protect his girlfriend. During the struggle, the shark bit him twice on the leg before he managed to scare the predator away.
Despite his injuries, the fit marathon runner carried his girlfriend 50 metres to shore where bystanders rushed to assist them.
Emergency services were called immediately, with a bystander following triple-0 operator instructions to create a makeshift tourniquet for Mr Schindler's leg wounds. Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth later confirmed this quick thinking potentially saved the young man's life.
Dreams of Staying in Australia Cut Short
In a heartbreaking twist, it emerged that the couple had tried to secure employment at Discovery Caravan Park in nearby Harrington just one day before the attack. They had fallen in love with the area and hoped to find work that would allow them to extend their Australian adventure.
Ms Mühlheim, a former synchronised swimmer with Swiss club Swim Regio Solothurn, tragically died on the beach before paramedics could arrive. Her death has devastated her former swimming community, which released a heartfelt statement mourning her loss.
"She died in Australia – in her beloved element, the water," the club's tribute read.
Mr Schindler was flown via helicopter to John Hunter Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries. The couple were both accomplished athletes involved in numerous intensive water sports and running competitions.
Beach Closures and Safety Measures
Following the tragic incident, authorities immediately closed local beaches as a precaution. Surveillance using drones and jet skis confirmed no further threatening marine activity, and beaches reopened on Friday afternoon.
A Surf Life Saving NSW spokesperson confirmed enhanced safety measures for the weekend, stating: "Drones will continue to provide shark surveillance to the area, particularly at Camden Haven and Crowdy Head."
This incident marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year, occurring less than three months after 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis was killed by a shark at Dee Why in September. A report is now being prepared for the coroner.
