A man in his 20s has died after suffering a shark bite to the arm while surfing in New South Wales, Australia.
The incident is said to have taken place at a beach north of Coffs Harbour.
Paramedics arrived at the scene before 11am today (5 September) via helicopter but were unable to rescue him.
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Despite an hour of CPR and treatment, emergency services were unable to revive the man.
A clearly shocked NSW Ambulance Inspector Chris Wilson told Nine News: "A male in his approximate late 20s, sustained significant injuries to his upper body, which has resulted in major bl- I can't even say that."
He continued: "It was a devastating for everybody on the beach this morning.
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"A number of local surfers and bystanders came to the aid of this man, they were incredibly brave in a very challenging situation.
"The Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched in a critical care medical team onto the beach to continue treatment.
"The patient suffered a critical injury to his arm, but despite the best efforts of bystanders, paramedics and other emergency services, the patient couldn't be revived."
The NSW Ambulance Twitter wrote: "Paramedics are responding to reports of a shark attack at Emerald Beach just north of Coffs Harbour."
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Three hours later, an update read: "Despite the best efforts of bystanders, paramedics and other emergency services the patient sadly died at the scene."
Resident Glenn Coleman told ABC that he heard sirens coming down his street.
"We pricked our ears up straight away and we knew something had happened," he said.
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Mr Coleman says that many locals were out surfing for Father's day.
"It's a heavy feeling," Mr Coleman added.
ABC also reports that the council has closed Shelly Beach, Emerald Beach and Serenity Beach for the next 48 hours.
Police Inspector Ben Atkinson said incidents like these were difficult for all involved, including emergency services and locals.
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"This has a particular impact on the surf community," he said.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Beach, Australia, shark
