A woman has died and a man has sustained serious injuries following a shark attack at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, located on Australia’s east coast. The incident occurred on the morning of October 26, 2023, while the pair, both in their mid-20s, were swimming together. Authorities report that this tragic event took place around 06:30, just weeks after another fatal shark attack involving a surfer near Sydney.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the attack. Police Chief Inspector Timothy Bayly confirmed that the two individuals were known to each other and were engaging in recreational swimming when the shark struck. He emphasized that details regarding the circumstances of the attack remain limited at this time.
A bystander intervened and provided assistance before paramedics arrived, but unfortunately, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the beach. The man was airlifted to a hospital, where paramedic Josh Smyth stated that while the man’s condition is serious, it is stable. Smyth praised the timely actions of the bystander, noting that the makeshift tourniquet applied to the man’s leg may have played a crucial role in saving his life.
Steven Pearce, Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, described the incident as “a really, really terrible incident,” highlighting the remote nature of the area, which lacks lifeguard services. The identities of the victims have not been publicly disclosed, but the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that both individuals were Swiss nationals. The department is currently in communication with local authorities and providing consular support to the victims’ families.
Following the attack, scientists identified the shark involved as a large bull shark. In response, government authorities deployed five drumlines—baited hooks suspended from floats—off Kylies Beach to attempt to capture the predator. This measure is part of a broader initiative, as drumlines were previously established to the north at Port Macquarie and to the south at Forster to mitigate the presence of sharks in the region.
According to Gavin Naylor, director of the shark research program at the University of Florida and manager of the International Shark Attack File database, it is exceptionally rare for one shark to attack multiple individuals. He noted that while it is not unheard of, such occurrences are highly unusual. Naylor emphasized the need for further investigation into the shark’s behavior to understand the motivations behind the attack.
Statistics from the International Shark Attack File indicate that there have been over 1,280 recorded shark incidents in Australia since 1791, resulting in more than 250 fatalities. The year 2023 has seen a disproportionate number of deaths due to shark bites in Australia compared to other countries, underscoring ongoing concerns about marine safety.
In a separate incident earlier this month, an Australian windsurfer had a narrow escape after encountering a shark off the west coast. The incident was captured on camera, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of interactions between humans and sharks.
The community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, as local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and work to ensure the safety of beachgoers in the area.
