A 3-metre great white shark has fatally attacked a surfer off Kingscliff in northern New South Wales, Australia. The victim, believed to be aged between 50 and 60, was bitten on the leg while surfing at Salt Beach around 10:00 local time on Sunday.
Fellow surfers fought off the shark in what paramedics described as a heroic effort, bringing the man to shore. Despite first aid for severe leg injuries, he died at the scene about 40 minutes after the attack.
Police deployed gunmen to locate the shark but did not fire any shots. The shark left the area after several hours. Authorities ordered swimmers out of the water and used jet skis to bring some to safety.
This is the third fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year, following incidents in Queensland and Western Australia. Local surf club member James Owen noted the sombre mood, saying he was unaware of any previous fatal shark incident in the area.
