Little Bay Beach — Local services in Sydney

Shark attack 16 Feb 2022

Swimmer dies after being attacked by a shark off Sydney’s Little Bay Beach

New South Wales police say they ‘located human remains in the water’ after being called to the south-eastern suburbs beach on Wednesday afternoon

Article in The Guardian written by Elias Visontay and Tamsin Rose

Published:18:45 Wed 16 February 2022

A swimmer has died from “catastrophic injuries” after being attacked by a shark off a beach in Sydney’s south-east.

Emergency services were called to Buchan Point in Malabar, off Little Bay Beach, about 4.35pm on Wednesday after reports a swimmer had been attacked by a shark.

Marine police crews and surf lifesavers scoured the scene, according to a New South Wales police statement, and “located human remains in the water”. The death is the first fatal unprovoked shark attack in Sydney since 1963.

A NSW ambulance spokesperson said by the time crews arrived they were unable to help the swimmer. “Unfortunately this person had suffered catastrophic injuries and there was nothing paramedics could do,” they said.

A witness told Guardian Australia the swimmer had been “mauled” by the shark and their blood had coloured the surrounding water red.

Another witness, who had been fishing off nearby rocks at the time, told the ABC the swimmer was wearing a wetsuit and was dragged under the surf by a large shark with the attack lasting several seconds.

“When he went down there were so many splashes,” the man told the ABC. “It was terrible, I am shaking. I keep vomiting, it’s very upsetting.”

Shark attacks increased around the world in 2021 after years of decline

Waterloo resident James, 27, arrived at the beach shortly before 5.30pm. Helicopters were circling above the cliffs but people were still swimming.

“Everyone was looking around, trying to work out what was going on,” he said. “There were still people in the water. I’m never getting in again – no way.”

Little Bay Beach was closed as officers continued to search the area. NSW police said they were investigating the death and liaising with the Department of Primary Industry (DPI). A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The mayor of Randwick council, Dylan Parker, said he was “absolutely shocked” by the attack. “Our community adores our coast. To lose someone like this is chilling to the core,” Parker said.

The MP for the state electorate of Maroubra, Michael Daley, was at Little Bay on Wednesday evening.

He said he was shocked and saddened by the swimmer’s death. He had travelled to the beach from parliament when the news broke.

“The community is just shocked by this horrific incident,” he said. “Our thoughts go out to the family involved. This is a beautiful community. The coast is our life around here.”

Swimmers were turned away from the beach on Wednesday evening as police and the DPI continued searching the water. Two helicopters, three jet skis and a boat were used to search the bay until dusk.

“DPI extends sincere condolences to the family and friends and first responders at this tragic time,” a department spokesperson said.

“DPI will continue to work with NSW police and SLS NSW to monitor the area and provide any technical advice and resources if required, including deploying Smart drumlines in the area.”

Police will resume the search with divers at sunrise on Thursday.

All beaches in the Randwick council area – including nearby Maroubra Beach – will be closed for 24 hours. The decision was made by the council and Surf Life Saving NSW.

Beaches farther south could also be closed with a decision to be made overnight.

The last fatality from a shark bite in Sydney was in 1963 with the person recorded as “standing in the water”, according to Taronga’s Australian Shark Incident Database.

The last fatality of a person swimming was in Sydney harbour in 1955, a spokesperson for the database said. Both attacks involved bull sharks

Also on Wednesday, a tagged bull shark was detected at Bondi Beach north...

Becareful with the sea urchin when you swimming. Never touch them without gloves，use more professional snorkeling equipment and fully protect yourself！If catching them，please do not use hand，use a grabber.

The picture showed the spikes removed from my right arm，the larger one was like 1cm. It was hurting my tendon a little bit，it is really deep. And it might get infection！

The infection could lead to a serious issue but l am so luck that l did not get this！

If you going to the nearest hospital for emergency. It could takes 4-5 hours for waiting and 1-2hours for the doctor to really takes actions.

l get the surgery to removed these. These spikes were showed by X-Ray but the doctor said for small spikes，the X-Ray probably cannot see them. So maybe l need to get ultrasonic scanning……，it depends on a week later if l still feel pain

The sea urchin likes to hidden under the rocks. It is hard to see them.

There are lifeguards there. Do not just simply trust them，even your friends’ words that they said you do not need to go to the hospital. Believe yourself if you think it is really hurting you and cause the pain. Just go to the hospital！Life is all！

The spikes may not showed on the surface，beacuse they are inside very deep and you...

Wow.. what a nice place to chill and enjoy the nature. Its a little beach but better than big beach. The small beach is just at the low land with the white sand and rocky cliff at the side. When looked from the high ground the beach together with the ocean fits perfectly in the frame. Also, the high grasslands are parks, fountains, rocky cliffs... u never get tired to walk around enjoying the diversity in the place. On review, I saw good place to see sunset. But, I went in the morning n the sunrise is spectacular. U won't regret the early morning wake. Trust me. Well, its good for nature photography, swimming, snorkelling i suppose, jogging absolutely, relaxing, dating particularly, many more.. Since its a beautiful place.the place may be crowded in the mid day n problem to get parking spot. I went early morning at 5 , so no problem.

Update... well it's sad that we cannot walk on the grasslands, where we can see great view of beach and the sunrise. Usually the grassland is for playing golf. I went there couple of times , they play golf early morning. It is written in the pathway NO PEDESTRIANS on the grassland side .. we can walk straight to...