Coogee beach in Sydney's east has been closed after a woman was critically injured by a shark on Saturday morning. A woman in her 30s is in a critical condition after being bitten by a shark at Coogee beach on Saturday.
Details of the attack
A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said the woman suffered arm and leg injuries and had been taken by road to St Vincent's hospital. They said multiple crews had treated the woman on the beach after the attack, which occurred just after 11am.
Public response and first aid
A spokesperson for NSW police said the woman was pulled from the water by members of the public who commenced first aid until emergency services arrived. "Police rendered first aid to the woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, who has suffered serious arm and leg injuries, before NSW Ambulance paramedics attended," they said.
Emergency response
Police cleared nearby Coogee Oval to facilitate the landing of the Careflight helicopter to potentially airlift the woman to hospital. They said Coogee beach and nearby beaches including Clovelly and Bronte had been closed. NSW Ambulance said a command post had been set up on the beach with police and ambulance chaplains available to support people who witnessed the attack.
Beach closures
At Tamarama beach to Coogee's north, surf lifesavers cleared the water a short time later, telling swimmers and surfers the beach was being closed because of the incident. Coogee beach, known for its relatively gentle surf, is popular with locals and tourists and draws thousands of visitors on summer days. More details to come.
