A WOMAN has died and a man was critically injured after a horror double shark attack in Australia.
The beast mauled them while they were swimming at a remote New South Wales beach early on Thursday.
Cops said the pair, believed to be in their 20s, were in the water at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park when they were bitten.
The man was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition and later improved to serious but stable.
But the woman tragically died at the scene.
Emergency crews were called just after 6.30am.
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Authorities praised a bystander who tied a makeshift tourniquet to the man’s leg before help arrived, which they said “potentially saved his life”.
NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth said: “The courage from some bystanders is amazing in this situation.
“To put yourself out there is heroic and obviously it did give us time to get to that male patient.”
The Department of Primary Industries said forensic analysis indicated a large bull shark was likely responsible.
Bull sharks are considered “potentially dangerous to people”, the Australian Museum says.
They are also the third deadliest shark species recorded by the International Shark Attack File.
Five smart drumlines were deployed at Kylies Beach following the attack.
Surf Life Saving NSW also closed surrounding beaches for at least 24 hours while drones scanned the area.
Steve Pearce, Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive, said: “This is a terrible tragedy and our deepest condolences go to the families of the woman and man involved.
“For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards.”
Police are interviewing witnesses and working with shark experts as they prepare a report for the coroner.
The woman’s death at Kylies Beach comes less than three months after Mercury Psillakis was killed by a 3.5-metre great white shark at Long Reef in Sydney.
The surfer dad, 57, was pulled out of the water missing “both his legs” after he was attacked by the giant beast, according to witnesses.
Authorities said this is the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year.
Last year recorded 13 unprovoked bites with no deaths – 10 fewer than in 2023, when four people were killed.
In 2020, seven people died in unprovoked attacks.
Experts say fatalities have fallen per capita over the past century thanks to faster emergency response and wider first aid training.
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But shark bites overall have risen in the past two decades, driven by factors including coastal population growth, climate pressures, habitat loss, more water sports and changing prey patterns.
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