Woman in Serious Condition After Shark Attack at Popular Beach

A 59-year-old Australian woman is reportedly in a serious but stable condition following a shark attack at a popular beach.

According to a report from Newscom.au, the attack happened at 1:40pm on Friday at Gunyah Beach, a village within the Royal National Park south of Sydney. The woman reportedly suffered serious injuries to her right leg including a laceration that led to significant blood loss, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

“The bystanders that assisted before we got there were just absolutely remarkable,” Acting Inspector Andrew Bibby from New South Wales Ambulance said. “The first aid they applied was absolutely spot on and really laid a great foundation for the work we were able to do to try and stabilise her.”

Bibby revealed the bystanders used beach towels to help stop the bleeding.

“They’d used towels to try and stem the bleeding … they put a towel around her leg as a makeshift tourniquet and used some other towels to try and pack the wound to stop the bleeding — they did an amazing job,” he said.

The woman, who was airlifted to St George Hospital in a serious but stable condition, was able to speak with medical personnel after she was stabilized immediately following the attack.

“She was able to tell us she felt a strike to the leg very unexpected with immediate excruciating pain,” Bibby said. “She didn’t report seeing what caused it but most likely a shark, we would think.”

According to Newscom.au, Marine Area Command conducted extensive patrols with police but have been unable to locate the shark.

“All beaches in the local vicinity have been closed with the general public advised not to swim,” a spokesman said.

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