Woman critical after shark bite at Coogee Beach

A woman in her 30s was left in critical condition after a large shark bit her at coogee beach just after 11am on Saturday. She suffered arm and leg injuries, and police and NSW Ambulance crews treated her on the beach before she was taken by road to St Vincent’s hospital.

Surf Life Saving NSW said the woman had been taken to hospital semi-conscious and breathing. Members of the public pulled her from the water and started first aid before emergency services arrived, and police later cleared nearby Coogee Oval so a Careflight helicopter could land if needed.

Coogee Oval and St Vincent’s hospital

Beachgoers near the attack saw a rapid response unfold on the sand and in the water. Beaches in Sydney’s east were closed after the incident, affecting access across the area while crews dealt with the injured swimmer and the shark warning.

A witness described the scene as shocking. A regular swimmer said a member of their group heard a scream before the shark alarm sounded, and said the victim was holding to the back of a light blue surf ski.

Sydney’s east beaches

The swimmer also said blood was visible in the water at the site of the attack and that the woman appeared to have a bite high on her leg. The swimmer said the shark was swimming not quite in the shallows but not too far out in yellow green water, about 30 metres away.

For people using beaches in Sydney’s east, the immediate change was straightforward: the water was closed off after the attack, and the response shifted quickly from rescue to treatment and transport.