Heroes bravely try to save a colleague bitten by a shark. They fend off the three-meter-long animal and pull the injured man ashore - their efforts don't pay off.
Sydney (AP) - heroic effort without a happy ending: two surfers fought a large shark on Sunday off the east coast of Australia and pulled another surfer bitten by the animal to the beach.
However, his left leg injuries were too severe - the 60-year-old from the state of Queensland died despite immediate treatment, the police reported. It is believed that the three meter long attacker was a great white shark. The attack occurred on popular Salt Beach near Kingscliff, 800 kilometers north of Sydney.
The nearby beaches were then cleared, bathers and surfers had to leave the water. Helicopters went in search of the shark. A great white shark was sighted and pursued. The beaches should initially be closed for 24 hours due to police investigations.
It was the third fatal shark attack this year in Australian waters. There were also seven other attacks that did not end fatally.
Rescue spokesman Terry Savage told ABC broadcaster that the man's injuries were significant. The incident is very disturbing. He described the two men who fought the shark and helped the injured man ashore as "incredible". "It was heroic to take him to the beach." Local surf club member James Owen told the Sydney Morning Herald that death was a "terrible, tragic event." "It's a shock for everyone right now." He knew nothing of previous fatal shark attacks in the area.
Stuart Gonsal, who lives in Kingscliff, told ABC that he had just arrived on the beach to surf when the police called people out of the water. There have been a lot of fish in the waters lately, and many fishing boats have been on the water.
Police announcement
ABC report
