A woman has been killed and a man seriously injured in a shark attack at a remote beach in New South Wales, Australia, with a bystander’s quick action potentially saving the man’s life.
The attack occurred around 6:30 a.m. local time on Thursday at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, approximately 300 kilometers north of Sydney. The woman, believed to be in her 20s, died at the scene, while the man, also in his 20s, was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle in critical condition. Both victims were international tourists known to each other, swimming in the unpatrolled waters when the shark struck.
Emergency services praised a bystander who applied a makeshift tourniquet to the man’s leg, an intervention that authorities said “potentially saved his life.” NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth described the courage of those on the beach as “amazing” and “heroic,” noting that their efforts provided vital time for paramedics to arrive and stabilize the injured man, who is now in serious but stable condition.
Shark experts from the NSW Department of Primary Industries identified the likely attacker as a large bull shark, a species known for inhabiting both salt and fresh water and considered one of the few sharks potentially dangerous to humans. Forensic analysis supported this conclusion, and officials deployed SMART drumlines—baited buoys that alert contractors when sharks are caught—to monitor and tag any sharks in the vicinity, though no detections were reported at nearby stations.
In response, authorities closed Kylies Beach and several surrounding beaches, including North Haven Beach, Pilot Beach, and Dunbogan Beach, for at least 24 hours. Surf Life Saving NSW used drones to surveil the area, and police are investigating the incident while preparing a report for the coroner to determine the exact circumstances and identify the shark involved.
This tragedy marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year and the fourth in New South Wales waters, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database. It follows a recent incident less than three months ago in Sydney’s northern beaches, reigniting debates over shark management strategies, such as the use of controversial nets and drumlines in popular coastal areas.
Local officials and community members expressed deep condolences, with NSW Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer calling it a “heartbreaking day” and Police Minister Yasmin Catley noting the unimaginable loss for the families affected. Mental health support is being offered to witnesses and others impacted through programs like the Bite Club, Surfing NSW, and Surf Life Saving NSW.
As investigations continue, experts emphasize that such attacks remain rare despite Australia’s reputation for shark encounters. The focus is on enhancing public safety through ongoing monitoring and potential updates to shark management protocols, with authorities urging beachgoers to heed warnings and avoid unpatrolled waters in the interim.
