The emergency call was received shortly before 11 a.m., followed by a major rescue operation: In the north of the Australian state of New South Wales, a man in his thirties died after a shark attack.
The incident took place on the beach in Emerald Beach, just north of Coffs Harbor and around 550 kilometers north of Sydney.
Despite the strict corona rules, the beach was comparatively well attended on Father's Day.
The state of New South Wales has been in lockdown for weeks.
Outdoor sports such as surfing and walks are allowed.
"Everyone was shouting to get out of the water," the Australian broadcaster 9News quoted an eyewitness as saying.
“A whole group of surfers and beachgoers came to the man's aid.
You were incredibly brave in this situation, "said an ambulance spokesman.
Before rescue vehicles could drive onto the beach, an emergency team from nearby Coffs Harbor was roped down to the beach by helicopter.
The group fought in vain for the life of the man there for over an hour.
"The patient suffered a life-threatening wound on his arm and despite all attempts he could not be resuscitated," said the spokesman.
According to eyewitnesses, the man lost almost all of his right arm.
As a precautionary measure, three beaches in the area have been temporarily closed.
"Don't go into the water," was the clear message from the competent authority.
Many whales mean many predators
As things stand so far, it must be assumed that it was a great white shark.
Whale season is currently in Australia, and numerous humpback whales are migrating south with their young.
This also attracts many predatory fish.
The last fatal shark attack on Australia's coasts also occurred in New South Wales.
In May, a man was bitten in the right thigh in Tuncurry Beach, about 300 kilometers north of Sydney.
In general, attacks by predatory fish are extremely rare.
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