A woman has died and a man is in critical condition after a shark attacked them while they were swimming at a remote beach in New South Wales, Australia.
Police said the woman, believed to be in her 20s, died at the scene. The man, also in his 20s, was airlifted to a hospital in Newcastle after sustaining severe leg injuries.
Emergency services were called to Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, about 300km north of Sydney, early Thursday morning. Authorities praised a bystander who used a makeshift tourniquet on the man’s leg before paramedics arrived, a move that “potentially saved his life,” according to NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth.
The state Department of Primary Industries said the shark involved was likely a large bull shark, a species known to be dangerous to humans.
The beach has since been closed as officials deploy “smart” drumlines designed to tag and relocate sharks. Nearby beaches will also remain closed for 24 hours while drones survey the area.
“This is a terrible tragedy and our deepest condolences go to the families of the woman and man involved,” Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said. He urged the public to avoid beaches in the vicinity and follow safety instructions.
The incident marks Australia’s fifth fatal shark attack this year. The most recent previous case occurred less than three months ago on Sydney’s northern beaches.