A man in his late forties has been killed in a shark attack in Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia.
The man sustained severe injuries to his right leg, and was pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of a swimmer who dragged him to shore and performed CPR.
The attack occurred in shallow waters 15m – 20m from the beach, and onlookers described seeing what they thought was a “six or seven foot shark” moving beneath the water.
In a statement, NSW Police said that paramedics and police were called to the scene at 10:45 local time (00:45 GMT) after reports of a man floating in shallow water with severe injuries to his right leg after a suspected shark attack.
Rescue organisation Surf Lifesaving Australia said the beach was not supervised at the time of the attack as it had occurred before seasonal duties begin on 20 September. In a statement, the group said:
“At council’s request, lifeguards will be on duty for at least the next 24hrs ensuring the water remains clear from Belongil Beach to Tallows Beach across Byron Shire Council.
“Lifeguards are also patrolling the water on a jetski in the same area.
“It is advised that people stay clear of the ocean within this region until NSW Police deems it safe to return.”
_scavenging_on_whale_carcass_-_journal.pone.0060797.g004-A.png){kind=link}