'Rare' double shark attack leaves woman dead and man critically injured
A woman has been killed and a man is in a serious condition, following a 'very rare' double shark attack on a remote Australian beach.
The two victims, who have been identified as European tourists in their 20s, were swimming at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park when the deadly incident took place.
Emergency services were called just after 6.30am local time earlier today (27 November), with reports of a double shark attack.
People who witnessed the vicious attack are said to have attempted to help the two victims before paramedics arrived, but sadly the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The man's condition was stabilised by medics and he was taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle by air ambulance in a critical condition. His condition has now improved and is considered serious but stable.
New South Wales Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth praised the actions of the bystanders, crediting them for saving the man's life by making a DIY tourniquet to stem the blood from an injury on his leg where he had been bitten by the shark.
"That potentially saved his life," he said, as per the Guardian. "The courage from some bystanders is amazing. To put yourself out there is very heroic and it did give us time to get to that male patient."
The shark involved in the attack is said to be a large bull shark, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous shark species due to their aggressive nature and the fact they are often found in areas inhabited by humans.
A spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries said 'based on forensic analysis, DPIRD shark scientists have determined that a large bull shark was likely to have been involved'.
According to the Australian Museum, 'the bull shark is one of the few sharks that are potentially dangerous to people and is probably responsible for most of the shark attacks in and around Sydney Harbour'.
But despite being a known danger, this particular incident is unusual in the fact that the shark bit two people rather than one, which is 'quite unusual, but not unheard of,' according to Rob Harcourt, emeritus professor of marine ecology at Macquarie University.
People in the area are now being urged to steer clear of Kylies beach, which is only accessible by unsealed roads.
New South Wales chief executive of the Surf Life Saving, Steve Pearce, said the incident was a 'terrible tragedy' and offered his condolences to the family of the deceased woman.
"This area is so remote, there’s no lifeguarding services up there at all,” he said. "These incidents are horrific for everyone, and unfortunately, we’ve had a few this year already. We’re thinking of all of those people dealing with this at the moment."
Topics: Animals, Australia, Shark Attacks, Sharks, News
Emma Rosemurgey