A shark attacked two swimmers at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, located on Australia’s east coast, resulting in the death of a woman and serious injuries to a man. The incident occurred on the morning of October 19, 2023, prompting immediate emergency response efforts.
Authorities confirmed that the victims, both in their mid-20s and Swiss nationals, were swimming together when the attack took place at approximately 6:30 a.m.. According to Police Chief Insp. Timothy Bayly, the two individuals were known to each other, and the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear. While details on the specific injuries have not been disclosed, Bayly stated, “At this stage, all I’m prepared to say is they were known to each other and they were going for a swim and the shark attacked.”
As emergency services rushed to the scene, a bystander provided critical assistance to the injured man, applying a makeshift tourniquet that potentially saved his life. Paramedic Josh Smyth noted the importance of this intervention, stating, “I just really need to have a shoutout to the bystander on the beach who put a makeshift tourniquet on the male’s leg which obviously potentially saved his life.” Despite these efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the beach, while the man was airlifted to a hospital, where his condition was reported as serious but stable.
In response to the attack, local authorities closed beaches in the surrounding area indefinitely. The incident comes shortly after another fatal shark attack on a surfer off a beach near Sydney, raising concerns about safety in the region. Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the remoteness of the area, which lacks lifeguard services.
The shark involved in the attack was identified as a large bull shark, according to a statement from the state government. In an effort to capture the shark and enhance safety, five drumlines—baited hooks suspended from floats—were deployed off Kylies Beach. Drumlines were already in place to the north at Port Macquarie and to the south at Forster to help reduce shark populations in the area.
Experts have pointed out that shark attacks involving more than one person are extremely rare. Gavin Naylor, director of the University of Florida’s shark research program, noted the unusual nature of such incidents. “It is very unusual. Individual shark attacks are rare. And shark attacks on two people by the same individual is not unheard of, but it’s very rare,” Naylor explained.
Historically, Australia has seen more than 1,280 shark incidents since 1791, with over 250 resulting in fatalities. The International Shark Attack File, managed by the University of Florida, reported that Australia had a disproportionate number of shark bite fatalities in 2023 compared to other countries.
The tragic event at Kylies Beach serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with swimming in areas known for shark activity. As investigations continue, local authorities and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs have confirmed they are in contact to support the victims’ families during this difficult time.
