WOORIM, AUSTRALIA – A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life following a shark attack at Woorim Beach, a popular surfing destination just north of Brisbane. The incident unfolded on Monday afternoon, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Queensland Ambulance Service received reports of a “serious shark bite incident” around 4:45 p.m. local time. Despite their rapid arrival and efforts to save the girl, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after 5 p.m. The attack occurred in waters known for their shark population, yet it took place alarmingly close to the shore.
The teenager was swimming off Bribie Island, which hosts Woorim Beach, when she was attacked. Authorities have yet to determine the species of the shark involved. Reports indicate the girl suffered severe injuries to her upper body, notably a bite to her arm approximately 100 meters from the beach.
Local resident Christopher Potter, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, expressed his disbelief. “There are many groups that swim here regularly. It’s known for sharks, but such an attack this close to shore is shocking,” he said.
The area is equipped with drumlines, a preventive measure designed to protect swimmers by capturing sharks that venture too near. These devices use baited hooks to catch target species, which are then euthanized, while non-target species are relocated.
This tragic event marks the second shark-related fatality in Australia this year. Earlier, in January, surfer Lance Appleby lost his life off the coast of South Australia. The Greater Brisbane area hasn’t seen a fatal shark attack since 2006, when 21-year-old Sarah Whiley was killed while swimming with friends.
Queensland’s government notes that while shark attacks are rare, the state is home to many shark species, most of which pose little threat to humans. Police have announced that a report will be prepared for the coroner to further investigate the circumstances surrounding this latest incident.
As the community grapples with the tragedy, questions about safety and preventive measures continue to surface. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it.