Swimmer dies in shark attack in Sydney’s Little Bay

Fishermen who witnessed the fatal attack just 10-15m off shore say the shark thrashed violently before the swimmer disappeared under the surface | GRAPHIC VIDEO

The search for a shark which fatally mauled a swimmer at Little Bay yesterday - the first fatal shark attack in Sydney in ­almost 60 years - has resumed as beaches in the city’s east remain closed.

Human remains were found near Buchan Point, Malabar, in the city’s southeast after police received reports about 4.35pm on Wednesday that a swimmer had been attacked.

“We were called to reports of a shark attack at Little Bay. Unfortunately, the patient had suffered catastrophic injuries, and there wasn’t a lot paramedics could do,” an Ambulance NSW spokesperson said.

Witnesess were alerted to the attack by the person’s screams but could do nothing but watch on as the swimmer, who has not been identified, was dragged under the water by the 4m shark.

Distressing video captured by witnesses fishing on rocks at the north end of Little Bay shows the predator attacking just 10-15m off shore in a flurry of thrashing before the ocean turns red with blood and the shark and its victim disappear.

“Someone just got eaten by a shark,” a man is heard yelling. “A big great white, that’s a great white ... oh no, oh no... that’s insane ... the person’s still there.”

One witness told the ABC: “When he went down, there were so many splashes.’’

He said the attack lasted several seconds. “It was terrible, I am shaking. I keep vomiting. It’s very upsetting,” he said. “He just went down for a swim, enjoying the day, but that shark took his life.’’

Another fisherman, Kris Linto, told Nine News that he saw a great white shark at least 15ft long attack the swimmer, who had been making his way across the bay. “The shark came and attacked vertically,” he said. “We heard a yell and then turned around. (The splash) looked like a car had just landed in the water.”

NSW Department of Primary Industries advised that a bull shark was detected near Bondi to the north about an hour after the attack. It has not been confirmed the shark is linked to the attack.

Seven News reported half a wetsuit had been found at the scene. The human remains will be DNA tested to help police formally indentify the victim.

Little Bay Beach was immediately closed as police and rescue helicopters searched the area.

The death has prompted Randwick Council to close beaches from Clovelly to La Perouse for 24 hours.

Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, with assistance from the Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW members, some on jet skis, were on the scene.

Official #SharkReport: NSW - SYDNEY - BONDI RECEIVER. 16:50, 16 Feb 22, Receiver Tag → https://t.co/9xZqUyTr2ipic.twitter.com/xEmN0ITAta

— Dorsal Shark Reports (@DorsalAus) February 16, 2022

The fatal attack was the first in Sydney waters since actor Marcia Hathaway was killed by a shark in Sugarloaf Bay in January 1963.

Marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck, a campaigner at Humane Society International, slammed “ineffective” shark nets on NSW beaches, which have been reinstalled across the NSW coastline.

“The nets are nothing more than a false sense of security,” he said. “They do nothing more than kill marine wildlife and don’t reduce the risk of shark bite.”

He called on the NSW government to continue trials of more effective shark deterrent tech­nologies such as drones, deterrent devices and marine education.

On Wednesday evening, police said they were working with the NSW Department of Primary Industries to investigate the death, and that a report would be prepared for the coroner.

The attack comes just days before the annual Murray Rose Malabar Magic Ocean Swim which is scheduled to take place at the neighbouring Malabar Beach on Sunday.

A rescue helicopter and onlookers near the scene of the shark attack on Wednesday. Picture: Richard Dobson