A 57-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital after she was savagely bitten by a shark in Bundeena, near Sydney, and was dragged from the water by a brave couple who answered her screams
A woman suffered serious injuries and was left fighting for her life after a large shark took a chunk out of one of her legs, as a brave couples waded out to answer her desperate screams.
The victim, 59, had been swimming on an isolated beach in Bundeena, near Sydney in Australia, when the predator suddenly attacked. Emergency services rushed to the scene to tend to her awful wounds after a kind couple bravely helped her from the water.
She was flown to St George Hospital by helicopter and is in a critical condition. All beaches nearby were closed as investigations into the species of shark began.
A spokesman for Sutherland Shire Police Area Command said: “Emergency services today responded to a shark attack upon a 57-year-old woman at Bundeena.
“The woman was swimming about 15 metres from shore when attacked at about 1.30pm. She screamed for help and two men entered the water, moved her to shore and administered first aid. [Fantastic job guys!]
“Sutherland Police responded with NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire & Rescue, NSW Surf Life Saving, and Marine Area Command. She was conveyed to Bundeena Oval and then air lifted to St George Hospital by Toll Helicopter. The woman sustained severe injuries to her leg and is in a critical condition.
“Sutherland Council has closed all Bate Bay beaches until further notice. That includes Cronulla Beach, Shelley Beach, North Cronulla Beach, Elouera Beach, Wanda Beach and Greenhills.
“Please obey signage and follow instructions of Surf Life Savers. The Department of Primary Industries are attempting to identify the species of shark involved.”
The woman was saved when a couple heard her screams for help from the water. She suffered deep lacerations to her leg.
Jack Boyd, mayor of the Sutherland Shire, said: “Sutherland Shire Council’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard team were called to respond to reports of a shark attack Off Gunyah Beach, Bundeena, shortly before 2pm this afternoon. Council lifeguards assisted attending NSW Ambulance paramedics, with a female patient treated on scene for wounds to her thigh before being transported by helicopter to St George Hospital for further treatment.
“As a precautionary measure Sutherland Shire Council has closed all patrolled Bate Bay beaches until further notice. In the interests of public safety, beachgoers are asked to stay out of the water, obey signage displayed across our beaches and follow instructions from our lifeguards. On behalf of Council and the whole Sutherland Shire community, our thoughts are with the victim, her friends and family.”
A spokesman for Shire Council said: All Bate Bay beaches (Cronulla Beach, Elouera Beach, North Cronulla Beach, Wanda Beach, Greenhills Beach, Horderns Beach, Gunyah Beach and Silver Beach) are closed until further notice.