A 60-year-old male surfer died Sunday morning after being bitten by a Great white shark off northern New South Wales in Australia, according to officials.
The unnamed man was surfing at Salt Beach near Kingscliff around 10:20 am when he was attacked by a three-metre (or nearly 10-foot) long shark.
“The man received a bite to the back of his thigh, and despite the best efforts of nearby surfers and bystanders who fought off the shark and got the man to the shore and rendered first aid, the man died on the beach,” according to to the group Surf Life Saving, New South Wales.
Police said they were told several board-riders came to his assistance and fought the shark off before the injured man could be helped to shore.
But Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. He was from Tugun in Queensland.
#SHARKATTACK // A 60-year-old man from QLD has been killed by a three-metre White Shark. SLSNSW is currently working with the NSW DPI and @nswpolice to monitor the area. All beaches from Kingscliff to Cabarita have been closed for the next 24 hrs.
— Surf Life Saving NSW (@slsnsw) June 7, 2020
🗞️https://t.co/Ujtpcp4jRL pic.twitter.com/hrYk5G1DzI
“A NSW Department of Primary Industries Shark Biologist has assessed photographs and confirmed a white shark was responsible for the fatal attack of a male surfer,” the government added.
Surf Life Saving NSW sent out multiple jet skis, helicopter and a drone to help spot and identify the shark.
Aerial photographs and the bite marks on the victim were enough for experts to conclude a large, three-metre Great white shark was responsible for the attack.
The area was also cleared of surfers and swimmers.
Surf Life Saving NSW and lifeguards have closed all beaches from Kingscliff to Cabarita for 24-hours.
The area will continue to be monitored.
Photos: Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service QLD
