‘Just taking a dip’: Shark victim explains horror ordeal

Lauren O’Neill – the woman bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour – says she was just taking a quick dip near the shore on a scorching hot Summer day when she was attacked.

The woman bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour says she was just taking a dip near the shore on a scorching hot Summer day when she was attacked, she has explained from her hospital bed.

Lauren O’Neill revealed how a simple cool off after work turned almost deadly when she jumped in the water at Elizabeth Bay on Monday night.

The 29-year-old microbiologist said she wasn’t being reckless and was well aware of the risk of swimming at dusk.

Ms O’Neill had arrived home from work when the temperature was still around 30 degrees, and decided to go down to the jetty in front of her Billyard Ave apartment for a quick swim.

She said it was something she did almost every night, and this should have been no different.

Elizabeth Bay shark attack survivor Lauren O'Neill. Pictures: Supplied

In a statement provided to the media, Ms O’Neill thanked neighbours who ran to the wharf when they heard her screaming out in pain, particularly veterinary surgeon Dr Fiona Crago who rendered first aid and bandaged the gaping wound until paramedics arrived.

Ms O’Neill said she “Wishes to thank the heroic and very kind neighbours for the critical assistance provided”.

Elizabeth Bay shark attack survivor Lauren O'Neill.

She was also “Immensely grateful to the NSW Ambulance paramedics and Kings Cross Police for their swift and caring actions at the scene”.

Ms O’Neill was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney’s east where she underwent two rounds of emergency surgery.

She thanked the “clinicians at St Vincent’s Hospital, particularly the specialist surgical teams who worked through the night”.

Lauren O’Neill is stretchered to an ambulance after the quick actions of neighbours, then paramedics, likely saved her life. Picture: On Scene Bondi

Ms O’Neill said her expected full recovery is testament to their extraordinary skills.

In the statement, Ms O’Neill thanked “Her beautiful family, friends and colleagues for their unflinching care and support”.

She also thanked the public for their “outpouring of support and kindness”, and as she turns to focusing on her recovery.

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Originally published as ‘Just taking a dip’: Shark victim explains horror ordeal