A tragic shark attack at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park resulted in the death of a woman and serious injuries to a man who was swimming with her on the morning of October 12, 2023. Emergency services responded to the incident shortly after 6:30 a.m. and discovered that both individuals, identified as Swiss nationals in their mid-20s, had sustained severe injuries from the attack.
The police reported that the victims were known to each other and had been swimming when the shark struck. In a statement, Police Chief Insp. Timothy Bayly confirmed the attack but withheld specific details regarding the nature of their injuries or the incident’s circumstances. A bystander at the beach provided immediate assistance, applying a makeshift tourniquet to the man’s leg before paramedics arrived.
Josh Smyth, a paramedic, indicated that the bystander’s quick action likely prevented a double fatality. “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,” Smyth said. The woman, unfortunately, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man was transported to a hospital via helicopter and is currently in serious but stable condition.
Investigation and Response
In the wake of this incident, beaches in the surrounding area were closed indefinitely as a precautionary measure. Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, expressed his condolences and highlighted the remoteness of the area, noting the lack of lifeguard services. “This area is so remote, there’s no lifeguarding services up there at all,” he stated.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the victims’ nationality and stated that they are providing consular support to the victims’ relatives. Authorities believe the attack was carried out by a large bull shark, a determination supported by scientists examining the incident. In response, five drumlines—baited hooks suspended from floats—were deployed off Kylies Beach to capture the shark, while similar measures had already been taken at nearby beaches.
According to Gavin Naylor, director of the shark research program at the University of Florida, it is exceptionally rare for a single shark to attack more than one person. “Individual shark attacks are rare. Shark attacks on two people by the same individual is not unheard of, but it’s very rare,” he noted.
Context of Shark Attacks in Australia
Shark attacks have become a pressing concern in Australia, where over 1,280 incidents have been recorded since 1791, resulting in more than 250 fatalities. The International Shark Attack File has noted a disproportionate number of fatal attacks occurring in Australia compared to other countries in 2023.
Just weeks prior to this incident, a surfer was fatally mauled off a Sydney beach, which has raised public awareness and concern regarding shark safety. In September, the man, who left behind a wife and young daughter, suffered severe injuries, underscoring the dangers present in Australian waters.
The recent attack at Kylies Beach adds to the growing list of shark encounters in the region, with both tourists and locals urged to exercise caution while swimming. As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and understanding the behaviors that lead to such tragic incidents.
