‘I saw a lot of blood’: Woman in critical condition after shark attack at Coogee Beach

A woman in her 30s who is in a critical condition after being bitten by a three-metre shark at Coogee Beach was rescued by an off-duty lifeguard on a long board with help from other bystanders.

On shore, she was treated by an off-duty critical care doctor and lifeguards who worked to quickly stabilise her, NSW Ambulance Inspector Mike Corlis said.

The woman, in her 30s, was at the beach with a group of friends.

A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said the woman had serious arm and leg injuries. She has been admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

Randwick Council jet skis are now patrolling the beach looking to spot the shark, with its staff estimating the shark to be at least three metres in size.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker arrived at the beach just after the incident.

The victim was “in pretty bad shape,” he said. “There are lots of very shaken up people, but we are so thankful for the heroic efforts of that individual and council lifeguards in providing that immediate first aid and CPR,” he said.

Coogee local Cooper Smeaton arrived at the beach to a confronting and chaotic scene this morning. He described swimmers and beach goers scrambling as the shark alarm blared and the victim lay bleeding on the sand.

He said the woman appeared “scared and traumatised”.

A woman named Maiara, who declined to provide a surname, described a tranquil morning at the beach disturbed by chaos, blood and sirens.

“I was just looking at the ocean, I saw a lot of blood, and a lady asking for help. It was a little bit traumatising,” said Maiara.

Lifeguards ran to give the woman help. “The shark alarm went off. I could see her asking for help.”

Another witness, Oakley Lamb, said he saw splashing in the water and blood.

“It just turned into havoc,” he said.

NSW Police said emergency services were called to the beach before 11.15am, following reports a swimmer had been bitten by a shark.

Police said the woman was pulled from the water by members of the public who commenced first aid before the arrival of emergency services.

Randwick and Waverley councils have closed all their beaches in the eastern suburbs.

Police rendered first aid to the woman before NSW Ambulance paramedics attended.

More to come

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