SYDNEY: A 35-year-old woman has been critically injured after being bitten by a shark at Coogee Beach in Sydney.
New South Wales Police said emergency services were called to the popular eastern Sydney beach on Saturday morning after reports of a shark attack. The woman suffered serious injuries to her arm and leg.
She was helped from the water by a member of the public before being treated by paramedics at the scene. She was later taken to hospital for emergency treatment.
Several nearby beaches were temporarily closed as authorities assessed the area and monitored the water for further shark activity.
The species of shark involved has not been officially confirmed, although Australian media reported that authorities were investigating whether it may have been a white shark.
The incident comes shortly after a separate fatal shark attack in Western Australia, where a male diver died near Michaelmas Island off Albany while spearfishing with family members.
Australia records shark incidents from time to time because of its long coastline and high level of beach, swimming, surfing and diving activity. Fatal attacks remain uncommon, but authorities regularly remind beachgoers to follow safety warnings and avoid entering the water when beaches are closed.
Local officials are expected to reopen affected beaches once safety assessments are completed.
Sources: NSW Police, ABC Australia, Associated Press, The Guardian.
