Family witnesses shark killing teenage daughter off Australia | Inquirer News

Family witnesses shark killing teenage daughter off Australia

/ 08:23 AM April 18, 2017

shark attack

SYDNEY, Australia — A 17-year-old girl has died after being mauled by a shark in full view of her parents on Australia’s southwest coast, authorities said Tuesday.

She was surfing with her father near Wylie Bay late Monday afternoon, reports said.

The girl had lost a leg and was bleeding heavily when she was pulled from the water and rushed to hospital in the Western Australian town of Esperance.

Article continues after this advertisement

Her mother and two younger sisters witnessed the attack from the beach and alerted emergency services.

FEATURED STORIES

“The girl’s father had been some distance away at the time of the attack and heard her scream before she was pulled under water by the shark,” The West Australian newspaper reported.

“When she resurfaced, her father paddled over and dragged her to the shore with the help of another teenager.”

Article continues after this advertisement

“Condolences to the family and friends of the victim involved in today’s tragedy,” Esperance police tweeted. “Devastating circumstances”.

Article continues after this advertisement

Local authorities announced Wylie Bay beach was closed until further notice and people were urged to stay out of the water.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Esperance Express said the department of fisheries would patrol the beach Tuesday.

A man lost his left arm and right hand when two great whites attacked him at Wylie Bay in October 2014.

Article continues after this advertisement

Last May-June there were two fatal shark attacks in Western Australia.

A 29-year-old man died following an attack at Falcon Beach, near Mandurah, and a great white killed a 60-year-old woman near the state capital Perth.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Experts say shark attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular and bait fish move closer to shore. CBB

TAGS: Australia, News, shark attack

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.