Confronting scenes: A man dies following a terrifying white shark attack on Tuncurry Beach in New South Wales.
A massive 4.5m shark is suspected of being responsible for Tuesday morning’s fatal attack on a surfer in NSW.
A retired paramedic was one of the bystanders who rushed to save a man mauled by a suspected 4.5m white shark on NSW’s mid-north coast, but the victim tragically died at the scene.
The man, in his fifties, was bitten on his upper right thigh shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday at Tuncurry Beach, near Forster.
“Despite the best efforts of paramedics and on-scene bystanders, the man was unable to be revived,” NSW Ambulance tweeted.
According to NCA NewsWire, two tagged sharks – one measuring 2.5m in length and the other estimated to be up to 2.8m in length – were discovered on Monday night and Tuesday, but neither was suspected of being involved in the attack.
“Shark scientists have analyzed photographs of the bite and determined that the bite was most likely caused by a white shark approximately 4.5m in length,” the NSW Department of Primary Industries said in a statement.
Following the fatality, SMART drumlines were deployed to the beach.
The NSW DPI expressed its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
A rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene, as were several emergency crews.
The man was given CPR by paramedics and officers from the Manning Great Lakes Police District, but he died at the beach.
“Valiant bystanders, including a retired paramedic, pulled the patient from the water and initiated CPR prior to the arrival of paramedics,” NSW Ambulance Inspector Joshua Smyth said.
“These individuals should be commended for their courage.
Paramedics and police officers collaborated effectively in what was a tense scene in difficult terrain.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family during this trying time.”
Brian Wilcox, a local lifesaver, described the attack as “pretty unprecedented.”
“I’m not aware of ever having been attacked by a shark in this area,” he told the ABC.
He added that a drone had been circling the area and sharks had been spotted.
Tuncurry Beach and adjacent beaches will remain closed for a minimum of 24 hours.
“All beaches between Black Head and One Mile at Forster have been closed,” the MidCoast Council announced on Facebook.
“This decision was made following consultation with Surf Life Saving NSW officials.
“We will post an update here once the beaches reopen.”
