Person dead at Shelly Beach, Manly after suspected diving incident

A woman in her 60s has tragically died in a suspected diving incident at a popular Sydney beach on Friday morning.

A woman in her 60s has died in a suspected diving incident on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Emergency services were called to Malny’s Shelly Beach — a popular swimming and snorkelling spot — on Friday morning.

“About 10am today, emergency services were called to Shelly Beach, Manly following reports of a concern for welfare,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

“On arrival officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were told a 63-year-old woman was found unresponsive in the water.

“She was treated by NSW Ambulance; however, she died at the scene.”

Emergency services at the scene. Picture: The Daily Telegraph

A report will be prepared for the coroner and inquiries continue.

Police remained at the packed beach for about two hours after the incident, collecting bags of evidence, which included a snorkel and goggles.

An image of Shelly Beach in Manly.

Local woman Maria told the Telegraph she saw lifeguards and paramedics working on the person after they were pulled from the water.

Four NSW Ambulance crews attended, while a helicopter was also dispatched.

“It was all a bit confronting,” she said.

“It’s a very safe little area here so I was quite shocked. It’s sad.”

Despite the tragedy, hundreds of swimmers and divers packed the beach on Friday afternoon, seemingly unfazed and unaware of what had happened.

“It’s a beautiful day, you have to enjoy it,” one man said.

While the incident was believed to be related to a diving excursion, groups of divers continued to enter the water following demonstrations from dive instructors.

NSW Police are expected to make a statement about the tragedy on Friday afternoon.

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