A Quiet Swim Turned Into Chaos — You Won’t Believe What Happ

A woman has died and a man has been critically injured after a shark attacked them while they were swimming at a remote beach in New South Wales, Australia.

Police reported that the woman, believed to be in her 20s, died at the scene. The man, also in his 20s, was airlifted to a hospital in Newcastle in critical condition.

Emergency crews were called early Thursday morning to Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, located about 300 km north of Sydney.

Authorities praised a bystander who managed to apply a makeshift tourniquet to the man’s leg before paramedics arrived, saying the quick action “likely saved his life.”

“The bravery shown by some bystanders in such a situation is remarkable,” NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth said. “Their actions gave us valuable time to reach the patient.”

According to the Department of Primary Industries, the shark involved was likely a large bull shark. Bull sharks, which inhabit both freshwater and saltwater, are considered among the few shark species known to pose a significant danger to humans. They are ranked as the third deadliest shark species by the International Shark Attack File.

The beach has since been closed, and “smart” drumlines—devices that attract sharks with baited hooks for tagging and release—have been deployed in the area.

Surf Life Saving NSW stated that nearby beaches would remain closed for 24 hours while drones continue to monitor the coastline.

“This is a heartbreaking incident, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families of those involved,” said Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce. “For now, we urge everyone to stay out of the water in the surrounding areas and follow lifeguard instructions.”

This marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. The previous incident occurred less than three months ago, when a man died in a rare attack on Sydney’s northern beaches.