Swimmer Killed In ‘Catastrophic’ Shark Attack At Sydney Beach
It's the first fatal shark encounter in Sydney since 1963.
A swimmer has died at a Sydney beach after an encounter with what is suspected to be a great white shark.
It is the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 1963.
Witnesses saw the swimmer and the shark at Buchan Point, near Little Bay, this afternoon, and reported it to police.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said: "Unfortunately this person had suffered catastrophic injuries and there wasn't a lot paramedics could do when we arrived."
Seven News reported that partial human remains and half a wetsuit were located in the water after the incident.
As the attack took place around 4:30pm, there were multiple witnesses and bystanders, some of whom filmed the attack.
Fisherman Kris Linto told Nine News he saw a 4.5 metre great white shark attack the swimmer.
"The shark came and attacked them vertically," he said.
"We heard a yell and then turned around. [The splash] looked like a car just landed in the water."
Michael Daley, the MP for the state electorate of Maroubra, told Guardian Australia: "The community is just shocked by this horrific incident.
"Our thoughts go out to the family involved. This is a beautiful community. The coast is our life around here."
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.
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Vivienne Kelly