A tragic shark attack at Crowdy Bay National Park on New South Wales’ mid-north coast has left a woman dead and a man seriously injured, prompting emergency beach closures and a major response from local authorities.
Early on Thursday morning, emergency services were called to a remote stretch of coastline near Kylies Beach after reports that two swimmers had been bitten by a shark. Police say the victims – a man and a woman in their 20s – were in the water when the attack occurred. Despite efforts from bystanders and paramedics, the woman died at the scene while the man was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
In the immediate aftermath, authorities ordered the closure of Kylies Beach and nearby beaches within Crowdy Bay National Park as a precaution. Drone surveillance is being used to monitor the coastline and non-lethal “smart” drumlines are being deployed to help locate and track the shark involved. Wildlife experts are still working to confirm the species responsible.
Officials are urging people to follow beach-closure signs, avoid entering the water in the affected area, and keep up to date with safety alerts issued by Surf Life Saving NSW and local councils. The incident has reignited concern about shark risk along remote and unpatrolled sections of the NSW coast, especially as summer approaches and more swimmers and surfers head to the ocean.
Which beaches are closed?
- Kylies Beach (Crowdy Bay National Park)
- Surrounding beaches within Crowdy Bay National Park, as directed by local authorities
Beach closure details and any changes to warnings are being updated by local authorities and Surf Life Saving services.
Although shark attacks are frightening, scientists say sharks do not naturally hunt humans. Most incidents happen because of confusion rather than aggression — in low visibility or rough water, a shark may mistake a swimmer or surfer for its usual prey, such as a seal, and take a single “test bite” before swimming away. In some cases, sharks may also act out of curiosity or in self-defence if they feel startled. Experts agree that attacks are rare and almost never the result of sharks deliberately targeting people.
For the latest official information and updates, readers can check: detailed coverage from The Guardian and news updates from ABC News Australia .
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and the local community.
