Tragic Shark Attack Claims Life of Swiss Tourist
A relaxing holiday turned to tragedy on Thursday morning when a Swiss couple were attacked by a shark while swimming at a remote beach in New South Wales. The incident occurred at dawn at Kylies Beach, located within the Crowdy Bay National Park on the mid-north coast.
The female tourist, in her 20s, was fatally wounded during the attack. Her partner, also in his 20s, was seriously injured when he reportedly tried to come to her aid. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 6:30 am.
Heroic Efforts and Lifesaving Actions
NSW Ambulance Inspector Kirran Mowbray provided harrowing details of the event, confirming that the shark attacked the woman first. Her partner then acted bravely, doing everything he could to get them both back to shore while calling out for help.
A bystander performed a critical, life-saving intervention, using her own swimmers as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding from the man's leg wounds. Inspector Mowbray stated that this quick thinking essentially saved his life, buying crucial time until paramedics could arrive.
The man was subsequently airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he was reported to be in a stable condition by Friday.
Beaches Reopen Amid Enhanced Surveillance
Following the attack, several beaches including Kylies, North Haven, and Crowdy Bay were immediately closed. However, Surf Life Saving NSW announced their reopening at 12:30 pm on Friday.
A spokesperson confirmed the decision was made "following increased jet ski and drone surveillance since the incident yesterday morning, which has not identified any concerning marine life in the vicinity."
With hot temperatures forecast for the weekend, authorities are taking extra precautions. Drones will continue to provide shark surveillance in the area, particularly at Camden Haven and Crowdy Head, to ensure public safety. Nippers events are scheduled to proceed as planned on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has deployed five ‘smart’ drumlines at Kylies Beach. These drumlines send alerts when marine animals take the bait, allowing for sharks to be tagged, relocated offshore, and tracked. No sharks have been caught on these lines since the incident.
Expert Analysis and a 'Freak Incident'
Authorities are currently reviewing GoPro footage from the scene to better understand the circumstances of the attack. Based on forensic analysis, DPIRD shark scientists have determined that a large bull shark over three metres in length was likely involved.
Dr. Brianna Le Busque, a researcher from the University of South Australia, described the double attack as a "really horrific freak incident." She cautioned against drawing parallels to the movie *Jaws* and the idea of a 'problem shark' that must be hunted down.
"It’s likely this shark felt particularly threatened, something happened, that’s why it lashed out twice," she explained, emphasising that there is no indication this specific shark will continue to pose a threat to humans.
Emeritus Professor Rob Harcourt of Macquarie University noted that a double attack is "quite unusual" but can occur when sharks are hunting or trying to deter competitors.
The Swiss consul general has issued a statement confirming the death and injury of its nationals and is providing consular support to the families involved.
Surf Life Saving NSW continues to advise beachgoers to be SharkSmart by swimming between flags at patrolled beaches, being extra cautious at dawn and dusk, and heeding all safety signs and alarms.
