Tributes flow for teen killed in shark attack off NSW coast
The family and friends of a teenager killed by a shark off the coast of NSW have paid tribute to the keen surfer.
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Tributes are flowing for a teenager who was fatally mauled by a shark off the NSW north coast.
Mani Hart-Deville, 15, was attacked while surfing at Wooli Beach just before 2.30pm on Saturday.
Other swimmers rushed to the teen’s aid and brought him back to shore, but paramedics were unable to save him and he died at the scene.
Loved ones have remembered the teenager as “warm hearted” and said he would be “deeply missed”.
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“I love you so much. I hope heaven is good to you. We will miss you more than you'll ever know,” one person wrote on his Instagram profile.
Another said: “Mani will never be forgotten and will be remembered as a warm-hearted human”.
One person posted a tribute featuring an image of the beach with “Mani” and hearts drawn across the sand.
“You are seriously a special human, there’s no real way to describe you because you were so different in the most amazing way. The memories we shared I will hold onto forever. Love and miss you so much brother,” the person wrote.
Beaches across Wooli, Diggers Camp and Minnie Water remain closed as investigators continue to search for the shark.
Early indications suggest it was likely a two-and-a-half metre white pointer but forensic testing needs to be conducted on Mani’s surfboard to determine that for sure.
NSW Police issued a statement on Saturday which said “several boardriders came to his assistance before the injured teen could be helped to shore.”
“First aid was rendered for serious injuries to his legs and despite CPR efforts to revive him” he died at the scene.
The Clarence Valley Council also issued a statement, sending its condolences to the family.
“Minnie Water is a small, close-knit village and the communities of Minnie Water and Wooli will be hurting,” the statement read.
“We will be doing all we can to support the community through the shock and grief.”
Attempts will be made to locate the shark over the coming days, with Surf Life Saving NSW deploying a team of lifesavers today who will operate drones and jetskis to assist the Department of primary Industries to identify the shark.
“Please do not enter the water in this region until further notice,” the organisation said.
Coffs-Clarence Police District Chief Inspector Joanne Reid told the ABC drumlines would be set up off the coast in an attempt to capture or release any sharks in the area.
She reiterated that beaches were now closed during school holidays in the Clarence Valley Council area and this would be reassessed on a day-by-day basis.
Mani’s death follows father-of-two Matthew Tratt being mauled to death by a shark while spearfishing at Queensland’s Fraser Island.
It is understood Mr Tratt’s brother helped pull him onto some nearby rocks where bystanders, including an off-duty doctor and nurse, reportedly worked for almost an hour to save him.
But he had suffered significant injuries to his leg from the attack and died at the scene.