In brief
A 35‑year‑old woman was severely bitten by a shark at Coogee Beach in Sydney, New South Wales, on Saturday. Police said emergency services responded promptly and the victim received first aid from bystanders before being air‑lifted to a hospital. The incident prompted temporary closures of several nearby beaches to ensure public safety. Australia has recorded over 1,300 shark attacks since 1791, with around 260 fatal incidents, though many cases result in non‑fatal injuries.
Shark attack leaves woman seriously injured
Police in New South Wales confirmed that a 35‑year‑old woman suffered serious arm and leg injuries after a shark bit her while she was in the water at Coogee Beach on Saturday morning.
According to the NSW Police, the woman was pulled from the water by members of the public who provided first aid before emergency services were called. She was then air‑lifted by helicopter to a hospital for treatment.
The incident forced several nearby beaches to temporarily close as a precautionary measure. Witness Nicola Logan told Reuters that she saw a “massive pool of blood” in the water before the shark striking the woman.
Australia has a long history of shark attacks, with almost 1,300 recorded incidents since 1791 – and more than 260 resulting in death. While attacks can be serious, most are not fatal. Popular surfing and swimming spots across the country often employ shark‑deterrent measures to protect visitors.
The latest attack follows a recent fatal shark bite that killed a male diver near Perth. In May, a father of two was also killed by a shark, illustrating the ongoing risk along Australian coastlines.
