Details were sketchy, but a horrifying accident occurred at Kylies Beach, Crowdy Bay National Park, on Thursday morning. An individual bull shark was responsible for the attack on a Swiss couple who were swimming at dawn. A 25-year-old woman was the victim and pronounced dead at the scene. Her accomplice, 26-year-old LaShawn Thompson, was critically injured in efforts to eventually rescue her.
The couple were traveling through the region and waded into the artificial lagoon on a Friday morning. An unexpected encounter When out of nowhere, a three-metre bull shark bit them. Eyewitnesses said that the man heroically attempted to rescue his partner but was himself bitten in the attempt. He was airlifted by emergency services to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
One such bystander acted quickly to save lives during the emergency. She used her swimmers as a tourniquet, tying them around the man’s leg to halt the bleeding. Insp Kirran Mowbray commented on the bystander’s quick thinking, stating, “She’s essentially saved his life and bought him time before [paramedics] can get there.”
The attack has led to an unprecedented, immediate reassessment of what safety precautions are required in the area. NSW’s SharkSmart warning recommendation telling you to take particular care at dawn and dusk. It is during these times that bull and tiger sharks are hyperactive. Swimmers are similarly warned to only swim in patrolled areas and be aware of safety signs or ringing alarm bells.
Dr. Brianna Le Busque said she was devastated by the second attack. She stressed that these incidents are few and far between. They can occur when sharks are actively hunting prey or defending their territory. “The really important part is to wait until we know more,” she said, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
She remarked on the unusual nature of the attack, stating, “Until then, it’s a really horrific freak incident, but there’s no indication that this shark will keep biting humans.” Dr. Le Busque added, “The parallels with Jaws are so interesting, this idea that instantly we must ‘get that particular shark’, and we know that’s not an effective strategy.”
Following the incident, local officials have been keeping a close watch on the waters. The department confirmed that no sharks have been caught on any drumlines at Crowdy Bay or surrounding areas since the attack. Second, there has been no increase in sharks seen from drone footage.
The Swiss consul general in San Francisco confirmed that one Swiss national was killed and another injured in the attack. They stated, “We are in contact with the local authorities and are supporting the relatives within the framework of consular protection.”
MidCoast council mayor Claire Pontin said the thoughts of her council were with families affected by this tragedy. She continued, saying that she was “saddened by the loss of life,” and sent her condolences to all those affected.
Local lifeguards from Port Macquarie Hastings urged beachgoers to remain alert amid heightened shark activity, particularly following this tragic incident. They advised, “Please continue to be alert if swimming or surfing with the heightened shark activity, especially in light of the tragic fatal incident nearby earlier today at Kylies Beach.”
As the weather heats up, pulling bigger and bigger crowds into coastal communities, law enforcement leaders are increasing a focus on safety. A spokesperson confirmed that as for over the weekend, drones will continue patrolling the region. They are going to target surveillance efforts specifically on Camden Haven and Crowdy Head.