A woman has been seriously injured in a shark attack at Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs, prompting authorities to close several beaches in the area. The attack unfolded in front of swimmers and beachgoers, leaving the community in shock as emergency crews rushed to help the victim.
According to witnesses, the incident happened at around 11 o'clock in the morning, when a chilling scream rang out and the shark alarms began sounding. There were a number of swimmers in the water at the time, among them the woman who was attacked.
The victim, a 35-year-old woman, was only about 30 metres from the shore when she was bitten. She was pulled from the water by an off-duty surf lifesaver, who reached her on a longboard and brought her back to the sand as others raised the alarm.
On the beach, off-duty doctors and off-duty lifeguards who happened to be nearby began first aid, applying tourniquets to her limbs. The woman had suffered serious injuries to her leg and to her arm in the attack.
Paramedics then took her to St Vincent's Hospital, where she remained in a serious condition. The speed of the response from those on the beach was credited with helping to stabilise her after the bite.
Authorities are now trying to locate the shark, with the beach closed and jet skis patrolling the water. Officials moved quickly to keep other swimmers out of the area while the search got under way.
Surrounding beaches, including Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra, have been closed and are expected to remain shut for at least 48 hours. Witnesses described scenes of fear and disbelief as locals grappled with what had happened in waters they use every day.