A surfer believed to be in his 30s has died after being bitten by a shark on the New South Wales North Coast this morning, lifeguards and paramedics say.
A Shelly Bay local said it was the first shark attack at the beach he was aware of. (file pic) Photo: 123rf.com
Despite their best efforts the man died at the scene.
"It was devastating for everybody on the beach this morning," Chris Wilson from NSW Ambulance said.
"A number of local surfers and bystanders came to the aid of this man.
"They were incredibly brave in a very challenging situation.
"The Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched in a critical care medical team onto the beach to continue treatment.
"The patient suffered a critical injury to his arm, but despite the best efforts of bystanders, paramedics and other emergency services, the patient couldn't be revived."
'It's a heavy feeling'
Aaron Armstrong was surfing at Shelly Beach at the time of the attack and saw the man being brought out of the water.
"It's quite scary," he said. "You feel for the dude's family."
Armstrong, who has lived at Emerald Beach for more than 20 years, said it was the first attack he's aware of at the "very popular" Shelly Beach.
The council has closed Shelly Beach, Emerald Beach and Serenity Beach for the next 48 hours.
Police Inspector Ben Atkinson said incidents like these were difficult for all involved, including emergency services and locals.
"This has a particular impact on the surf community," he said.
- ABC