Kingscliff shark attack: Surfer killed off Elliston St in South Kingscliff

Two mates of a 60-year-old Queensland surfer – who died after being bitten by a shark off the coast of Kingscliff this morning – desperately fought off the 3m beast after the fatal bite.

A SURFER has been killed by a shark at Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast.

The 60-year-old man was fatally mauled by a 3m shark at Salt Beach about 10.40am.

The Queensland man suffered a “catastrophic” bite to his left leg and died on the beach despite the brave efforts of his two mates to save him, Tweed-Byron police inspector Matt Kehoe said.

The shark attack scene at Kingscliff.

“A 60-year-old man from Queensland was taken from the water by a friend and another surfer,” Insp Kehoe said.

“Those two males had to fight off the shark and we’ll certainly be recognising their actions at a later stage for their heroic nature.

A shot of a shark spotted at Salt Beach this morning. Picture: 7NEWS

A jet ski moves within the area of the shark. Picture: 7NEWS

“Sadly, the (victim) was deceased at the scene. He suffered a significant bite to his left thigh.

“It was a catastrophic injury and was deceased when he was brought to shore, despite the efforts of those two gentlemen. They did everything they could to save him.

Emergency services gather on the beach. Picture: Scott Powick

“It’s terrible - terrible for his family and the obviously quite difficult for the emergency services that attended the scene.”

The shark, suspected to be a 3.5-4m great white, was seen lurking in the area after the attack and Department of Fisheries officers were hunting for it.

All Tweed Coast beaches have been closed for 24 hours.

Official #SharkReport: NSW - NORTHERN NSW - SOUTH KINGSCLIFF. 10:00, 07 Jun 20, Attack → https://t.co/qCLObmvsqe pic.twitter.com/HKgP0cJEP3

— Dorsal Shark Reports (@DorsalAus) June 7, 2020