Crowdy Bay shark attack: woman killed, man seriously injured at Kylies Beach on NSW Mid North Coast

A morning swim at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park turned tragic on Thursday, November 27 (about 6:30 a.m. local time) when a large bull shark attacked two swimmers, killing a woman in her 20s and seriously injuring a man of similar age. The remote beach—south of Port Macquarie on Australia’s Mid North Coast—was quickly closed as emergency services, marine authorities, and park rangers converged on the scene.

What happened at Kylies Beach

Witnesses reported a single, violent encounter close to shore involving a shark estimated at several meters in length. Bystanders pulled both swimmers from the water and began first aid. Despite efforts at the scene, the woman died at the beach. A quick-thinking beachgoer applied a makeshift tourniquet to the man’s leg, a step first responders later said likely saved his life. He was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital and was last described as serious but stable.

Authorities said the pair were tourists and nationals of Switzerland. Consular assistance has been arranged for relatives abroad.

Species and conditions: why a bull shark is suspected

Marine officers and fisheries experts believe a bull shark was responsible based on wound patterns and sightings reported in the aftermath. Bull sharks are known to frequent river mouths, estuaries, and surf zones—habitats found along this stretch of coast—especially during warmer months and periods of baitfish activity. Officials noted that a single shark attacking two people in the same incident is uncommon, which has intensified the response.

The immediate response and beach closures

• Beach status: Kylies Beach and nearby access points are closed until further notice.

• Surveillance: Drones and boat patrols are scanning the area for shark activity.

• Mitigation: Smart drumlines have been deployed to identify and potentially intercept the shark involved; data from acoustic receivers and tagged animals will be reviewed.

• Community support: Local emergency teams have activated victim support services for witnesses and responders.

Visitors to Crowdy Bay National Park are being urged to respect closures and follow ranger instructions; fines may apply for entering closed waters.

Rare but serious: context for the Mid North Coast

Fatal shark bites in Australia remain infrequent, but unprovoked bites have shown long-term variability tied to environmental conditions (water temperature, prey movements) and more people spending time in the surf. The Mid North Coast—home to long, open beaches and adjacent headlands—can see seasonal congregations of baitfish and dolphins, which in turn draw larger predators closer to shore. Officials emphasized that the risk on any given day remains low, but risk is not zero.

Safety guidance now in effect

Authorities and surf lifesaving groups recommend the following until beaches formally reopen:

1. Avoid closed locations. Do not enter the water at Kylies Beach or nearby coves while closures are posted.

2. Swim near patrols. When beaches reopen, choose patrolled beaches and stay between the flags.

3. Check the app/alerts. Local shark-sighting and beach-status apps provide near-real-time updates.

4. Time and conditions. Avoid dawn/dusk, turbid water, and areas with baitfish, birds diving, or dolphin feeding.

5. Group up. Swim or surf with others; maintain line-of-sight.

6. Leash awareness. Surfers should use reliable leashes; consider personal deterrent devices where appropriate.

7. Report sightings. If you see a shark or encounter a carcass (seal, whale, large fish), notify authorities and clear the water.

What we know about the victims

Officials identified the couple as Swiss tourists who had arrived in the area shortly before the incident. Their names have not been publicly released pending formal notifications. Emergency leaders publicly commended the courage of bystanders whose rapid first aid bought precious time for the injured man.

What happens next

Marine and police investigators will:

• Review witness statements, drone footage, and key phone videos.

• Analyze wound characteristics and environmental data to confirm species.

• Assess whether ongoing mitigation or extended closures are warranted.

• Coordinate with national and state agencies on public advisories for the broader Mid North Coast.

Further updates are expected as authorities complete scene work and as the hospital provides the next clinical bulletin on the surviving victim.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story. Details such as species confirmation, victim identities, and reopening times may be updated as official information is released.