Woman killed and man injured in shark attack at Australian beach

Both are believed to be between 20 and 25 years old. They were swimming at a beach in New South Wales, on Australia's East Coast, around 6:30 a.m. local time on Thursday (7:30 p.m. GMT on Wednesday) when they were attacked by a suspected bull shark.

Shortly afterward, emergency services were called to Crowdy Bay, near Kyles Beach, about 360 kilometers north of Sydney.

New South Wales Police Inspector Timothy Bailey said, "They knew each other, and they were going for a swim and the shark attacked."

A quick-thinking passerby applied a makeshift tourniquet to the injured man's leg, potentially saving his life before paramedics arrived.

He was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he remains in a stable but critical condition.

State Ambulance Inspector Josh Smith praised the passerby's actions.

"The courage of the visitors in this situation is amazing. It takes a lot of courage to put themselves out."

Crowdy Bay is a remote beach known for its beach camping, fishing spots, and hiking trails.

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steven Pearce told local radio station 2GB that the area is so remote that "there is no lifeguarding service there."

Inspector Bailey said the victim's family is still being contacted.

A bull shark may have been behind this 'rare' attack

Officials believe a bull shark – one of the most dangerous deep-sea predators – was most likely involved in this attack.

Assessment is typically made by examining bite marks, the animal's behavior, recent sightings of the animal, and sea conditions before the incident.

Police hoped to use smart drumlines – baited hooks suspended from floats – to catch it.

According to experts, sharks rarely attack more than one person, making this incident particularly rare.

Gavin Naylor, director of the University of Florida's Shark Research Program, said, "Single shark attacks are very rare. And while two sharks attacking the same person are not new, they are very rare."

This is the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year, the most recent occurring less than three months ago on Sydney's northern beaches.

Authorities have closed Crowdy Bay and surrounding beaches while the investigation continues.