NSW Premier Offers ‘Thoughts And Prayers’ To Shark Attack Victim’s Family

The NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, has spoken to the media about the victim of yesterday's 'catastrophic' shark attack in Sydney.

The swimmer died off the coast of Buchan Point at Little Bay in Sydney's east.

Paramedics noted there was little they could do once on the scene, and it became a recovery operation rather than a rescue.

The victim has yet to be formally identified, however DNA testing has begun.

NSW Police believe they already know the man's identity though, and it's understood they have informed the next of kin.

Perrottet said the shocking incident was a reminder to everyone of the 'fragility of life'.

"To the victim's family and friends, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies," he said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time."

A large swathe of Sydney's beaches remain closed today with helicopters trafficking up and down the coast.

Randwick City Council

Police are liaising with the Department of Primary Industry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the swimmer, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The Mayor of Randwick - of which Little Bay is a part - Dylan Parker also spoke on the incident, relaying that the community is in shock.

"The coast is our community's backyard," he said.

"Little Bay is normally such a calm, beautiful place enjoyed by families.

"To lose someone to a shark attack like this is chilling. We are all in shock.

"Our entire community's hearts go out to the family of the victim."

Randwick City Council Beaches closed sign

The last fatal shark attack in Sydney's waters was on Monday, 28 January in 1963.

32-year-old Marcia Hathaway was attacked when at Sydney Harbour beach's Sugarloaf Bay.

The ambulance broke down when attempting to get her to hospital, and by the time the second one arrived, she had stopped breathing.

Topics: News, shark attack, Australia