NSW: Shark attack leaves woman dead, man injured

A woman has died and a man has been left in critical condition after a shark attacked them while they were swimming at a remote beach in New South Wales. Police said the woman, believed to be in her 20s, died before emergency crews arrived. The man, also thought to be in his 20s, was flown to a Newcastle hospital with severe injuries. Emergency services were called to Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, around 300km north of Sydney, early on Thursday morning. Officials commended a bystander who used a makeshift tourniquet on the man’s leg before paramedics reached the scene. They said

A woman has died and a man has been left in critical condition after a shark attacked them while they were swimming at a remote beach in New South Wales. Police said the woman, believed to be in her 20s, died before emergency crews arrived. The man, also thought to be in his 20s, was flown to a Newcastle hospital with severe injuries. Emergency services were called to Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, around 300km north of Sydney, early on Thursday morning. Officials commended a bystander who used a makeshift tourniquet on the man’s leg before paramedics reached the scene. They said the quick response may have saved his life. “The bravery shown by those who stepped in was extraordinary,” NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth said. “Their actions gave us crucial time to reach the patient.” The Department of Primary Industries said the attacking shark was likely a large bull shark. Bull sharks, which live in both fresh and salt water, are considered among the most dangerous species to humans and rank as the third deadliest, according to the International Shark Attack File. Kylies Beach has been closed, and authorities have deployed “smart” drumlines—baited devices used to catch, tag and release sharks. Surf Life Saving NSW confirmed that nearby beaches will also remain closed for 24 hours while drones monitor the coastline. “This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are with the families affected,” Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said. “We urge the public to stay out of the water in the area and follow lifeguard instructions.” This marks Australia’s fifth fatal shark attack of the year. The previous death occurred fewer than three months ago on Sydney’s northern beaches.