A shark attack occurred in Sydney Harbor, Australia, causing severe injuries to a 29-year-old woman identified by the local media as Lauren O’Neill.
The incident occurred on Monday evening, January 28, 2024, near Elizabeth Bay, an area not typically associated with shark encounters.
The victim was close to 65 feet off a private wharf when she was attacked.
Michael Porter, a witness, recalled his immediate reaction upon hearing O’Neill’s distress call. He discovered her at the pier’s ladder, her leg severely injured and the water around her red with blood.
Fiona Crago, a local veterinarian, played a pivotal role in administering first aid, using compression bandages to control the bleeding. O’Neill’s courage and composure, despite her ordeal, were noted by those aiding her.
Local authorities and medical teams eventually arrived to find the woman on a nearby wharf. The New South Wales state police confirmed that the woman was transported to the hospital in a stable condition.
This incident, rare in the confines of Sydney Harbor, has brought renewed attention to the risks of shark attacks in the region.
The harbor, located close to iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbor Bridge, last witnessed a similar attack in 2009. During that incident, a navy clearance diver suffered major injuries from a bull shark.
Additionally, in February 2022, a fatal shark attack occurred at a Sydney beach, the city’s first since 1963.
Bull sharks, notorious for their adaptability to salt and fresh water, are common in Sydney Harbor. These sharks, alongside great white and tiger sharks, are considered the most dangerous to humans.
In response to the risks posed by sharks, the New South Wales government has implemented safety measures at ocean-facing beaches by installing shark nets and deploying drum lines targeting sharks.
Following the attack, authorities have stepped up patrols in Sydney Harbor, with the New South Wales police marine command actively monitoring the area. Swimmers and harbor visitors are being advised to remain cautious and stay informed about the potential risks associated with water activities in shark-inhabited areas.