Tragic Shark Attack Claims Life of Swiss Tourist
A young Swiss couple's holiday in Australia ended in tragedy on Thursday morning when they were attacked by a shark during an early morning swim. The incident occurred in the unpatrolled waters off Kylies Beach at Crowdy Bay, south of Port Macquarie in New South Wales.
Emergency services were called to the scene, a known shark hotspot, at approximately 6.30am following reports that a man and a woman had been mauled. Despite the heroic efforts of bystanders who rushed to their aid, the 25-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries before paramedics could reach the remote beach.
Heroic Rescue Attempt and Aftermath
Her 26-year-old boyfriend was also seriously injured in the attack, which is believed to have occurred as he tried to save her. He was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
A bystander's quick thinking is credited with helping to save the man's life. Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth praised the individual who applied a makeshift tourniquet to the man's leg, stating they 'potentially saved his life'.
In a chilling twist, it has been revealed that the couple were filming dolphins with a GoPro camera moments before the attack. Police are now reviewing the footage, which is understood to have captured the dolphins just before the predator struck.
Beach Closures and Shark Hunt Underway
Authorities believe the couple were attacked by a three-metre bull shark. In response, Surf Life Saving NSW has closed surrounding beaches for at least 24 hours and is deploying drones to locate the shark and monitor for ongoing risks.
A police spokesperson confirmed that drum lines may be deployed in an attempt to catch the shark responsible. Experts from the Department of Primary Industries are working to definitively establish the species involved.
The couple, who were identified as Swiss tourists, had only arrived at the Kylies Beach campground in Crowdy Bay National Park the night before the fatal attack. Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, highlighted the dangers of the remote location, noting 'there's no lifeguarding services up there at all'.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with swimming at unpatrolled beaches, a point emphasised by NSW Surf Rescue's James Turner. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
