A New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) shark biologist has confirmed a white shark – Carcharodon carcharias, also known as the great white, white shark or ‘white pointer’, was responsible for a fatal bite at Wooli Beach, based on photographs from the scene.
NSW DPI is assisting Surf Life Saving NSW (SLS NSW) and NSW Police in responding to the incident, in which a teenage boy suffered a bite to the upper left thigh.
Witnesses have told police a shark attacked the teenager while he was surfing at Wilsons Headland at Wooli Beach just before 2.30pm on Saturday (11 July).
Several board-riders 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, the 17-year-old died at the scene.
NSW DPI extends sincere condolences to the young man’s family and friends.
NSW DPI has mobilised the Shark Incident Response Team and deployed SMART drumlines in the area to catch and release any sharks offshore.
Surf Life Saving NSW will conduct sweeps of the area via drone throughout the day.
Beaches in the area have been closed.
All beachgoers are encouraged to download our SharkSmart app and follow @NSWSharkSmart on Twitter to get the latest information.
Further information about sharks can be found at the Department’s website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/sharks/
Oh, Thank Heavens !
Isn’t a comfort to know the exact species of shark ?
Isn’t it wonderful to know a bunch of morons are running around hunting the shark ?
I find it deeply saddening that a poor kid has died at Wilson’s ( my old turf as a kid )
I find it even more alarming that there are idiots out there “The Shark Incident Response Team ” that think hunting down a shark ( any shark will do ! ) because it acted like a shark ,in it’s own territory ! ! ?
” Oh What Fools These Mortals Be ! ”
Cheers , G”)
Thanks Ken, Agree with all of your comments..
Legs & lungs.. gills n fins..
Grow up Australia!
Shall we raise the sky for you mortals?
We are all so humbled by the immense grandness of your mindless countenance.
If I say anything else, it won’t be pleasant.
Love
Meanwhile people are killed and maimed on our roads every day of the year but no one gives a second thought.
Dozens drown every year. But when the rare instance of a shark attack or fatality is reported the joint goes into hysteria. No one is forced to go into the ocean, we all know the risk.
Ken, they don’t kill sharks. They tag them for research.
You know, for educating people, just like the lesson you might be learning now. Morons or idiots may well be the result of limited education but there’s little benefit in name calling mate.