A teenage girl has been k!lled in a suspected shark attack at a popular tourist hotspot off the south-east Queensland coast, Australia.
Emergency services were called to Woorim Beach on Bribie Island at about 4.45pm on Monday, Feb. 3, following reports of a “serious shark bite incident”.
It’s understood the teen, 17, was attacked while swimming 100m offshore at the south-east end of the island.
She suffered catastrophic injuries to her upper arm and body and was unable to be revived at the scene.
The species of shark involved is currently unknown.
Footage from the scene shows more than a dozen emergency responders at the scene speaking with beachgoers.
A young girl at the scene was hunched on the shore being consoled.
The tragedy comes after multiple shark sightings in the area in recent weeks, according to lifeguards.
Woorim is a popular destination with campers, 4WD enthusiasts and surfers as the closest surf beach north of Brisbane.
Drumlines and drone surveillance are used by authorities to monitor shark sightings at the beach.
“Our hearts break for her family and friends during this unimaginable time,” Moreton Bay councillor Mark Booth posted online.
“May they find strength and comfort in the support of their loved ones and the community.”
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
It’s understood to be the first fatal shark attack in the Greater Brisbane region since 2006, when Sarah Whiley, 21, was k!lled on North Stradbroke Island.
It comes weeks after youth pastor Luke Walford was k!lled in a shark attack at Humpy Island near Rockhampton off the central Queensland coast.
