Coogee shark attack: Woman critical after mauling at Sydney beach

A woman in her 30s is fighting for life after being mauled by a shark at a popular NSW beach.

The alarm was raised just before 11.15am when emergency services were called to Coogee Beach following reports a swimmer had been bitten by a shark.

“The woman was pulled from the water by members of the public who commenced first aid before the arrival of emergency services,” a police statement on the incident read.

“Police rendered first aid to the woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, who has suffered serious arm and leg injuries, before NSW Ambulance paramedics attended.”

Police cleared nearby Coogee Oval to facilitate the landing of the Careflight helicopter to airlift the woman to hospital.

Nearby beaches, including Coogee, Clovelly, and Bronte have been closed.

Locals told 7NEWS.com.au the woman was one of three swimmers about 20m offshore near the centre of the beach when she was attacked.

Crowds broke into applause for a man who pulled the woman from the water following the attack.

“You’re a hero,” one onlooker yelled as he was swamped by others and lifeguards who patted him on the back while walking up the beach.

Call for drone patrols

Central Coast councillor Jared Wright said the attack was upsetting.

“I know that all beach enthusiasts and local residents will be thinking of her, her family and loved ones at this time,” he said.

Mr Wright said there had been a clear rise in the number of shark attacks over the past 12 months, highlighting the fact more must be done to keep beachgoers safe.

“Coogee Beach does not have an active SLSNSW drone patrol or shark listening station. I have always been of the view that these protection measures need to be rolled out at as many beaches as possible, as quickly as possible. They are highly effective in helping keep beachgoers safe and are a more modern and innovative solution to shark nets.

“There is no silver bullet when it comes to preventing these tragedies, but putting these measures in place certainly does go a long way in improving beach safety for all.”

Worrying spate of fatal attacks

This most recent attack comes after a worrying spate of fatalities.

Three people have died in shark attacks in the past four weeks in Australia.

Experienced diver Steven Mattaboni was in the water spearfishing with four friends about 1km off Horseshoe Reef at WA’s Rottnest Island when he was attacked by a four-metre shark on May 16.

The 38-year-old was only 20m from one of the two boats that he and his friends had taken out to the reef when he was fatally bitten on his legs.

On May 24, spearfisher Michael Jensz died after he was attacked by a shark at Kennedy Shoal in Far North Queensland.

The 39-year-old was rushed by boat to the Hull River Heads boat ramp near Tully Heads — about 120km south of Cairns — where paramedics were waiting from him. However, he died from his injuries soon after.

Daniel Turpin was spearfishing with family members near Michaelmas Island on June 6, about 13km off WA’s Albany coast, when he was fatally mauled by a suspected 4.5m shark.

The 35-year-old was rushed back to the Albany marina where he was met by paramedics, but could not be saved.