Since 1791, there have been over 1,280 shark attacks around Australia causing over 250 deaths [FILE : September 6, 2025] – Image: Mark Baker/AP Photo/picture alliance
“They were known to each other, and they were going for a swim and the shark attacked,” New South Wales Police inspector Timothy Bayly told reporters. The Swiss tourists were bitten while swimming at Kylies Beach, One News NZ reported.
Bystanders help save victim
Witnesses helped both victims, believed to be in their 20s, before paramedics arrived, managing to save the man’s life.
“The courage from some bystanders is amazing in this situation — to put yourself out there is very heroic,” state ambulance inspector Joshua Smyth told AFP news agency.
The man was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. The woman, however, died at the scene. The beach and surrounding areas were closed after the attack.
The remote beach is located in a national park in New South Wales [FILE: January 1, 2019] – Image: Greg Brave/Depositphotos/IMAGO
Shark attacks in Australia
Authorities working with experts believe the shark species involved in Thursday’s attack was a bull shark.
One of the deadliest species of deep-sea predatory fish, bull sharks can move between fresh and salt water, grow up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet). These among the shark species most commonly linked to attacks in Australia, along with great whites and tiger sharks, according to a national database.
Scientists say bull sharks are lingering off Sydney’s beaches for longer each year as waters warm due to climate change, and may eventually remain there year-round. Australia recorded three fatal shark attacks in the first half of 2025, according to the national Shark-Incident Database.
Since 1791, there have been more than 1,280 shark incidents around Australia causing over 250 deaths. In September, a surfer was fatally injured off the coast of Sydney.
(DW.com/NAN 28-11-25)
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