A 17-year-old girl has died following a shark attack at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, Queensland. The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. local time on Monday.
The teenager was swimming approximately 100 meters offshore when she was bitten on the arm. Despite immediate assistance from paramedics and bystanders, she succumbed to life-threatening injuries to her upper body shortly after 5 p.m.
Local resident Christopher Potter, who arrived at the beach shortly after the attack, expressed his shock: “There are a lot of swimming groups that swim along here, morning and afternoon. It’s known there are a lot of sharks around Bribie, but this close to shore, it’s still a shock.”
Woorim Beach is a popular surfing destination equipped with shark control measures, including drumlines—baited hooks designed to catch sharks near swimming areas. The species of shark involved in the attack has not been identified.
Authorities have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner. This marks the second fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year, following the death of surfer Lance Appleby off the coast of South Australia on January 2.
Mayor Peter Flannery extended his condolences to the victim’s family and acknowledged the impact on the local community. “Our hearts break for her family and friends during this unimaginable time. May they find strength and comfort in the support of their loved ones and the community,” he said.