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Surfer killed by giant 4.5 metre shark despite hero beachgoers’ battle to save him – World News

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A surfer was killed by a giant 4.5 metre shark after hero beachgoers desperately battled to save the mans life.

The man, in his 50s, had been surfing at Tuncurry Beach, near Forster, in Australia, when he was bitten on his upper right thigh.

He was then dragged ashore where passers-by raced to his aide – including a retired paramedic who was on the beach.

But despite these valiant efforts, the man sadly died from the attack.

North West Wales ambulance tweeted: “Despite the best efforts of paramedics and bystanders at the scene, the man could not be resuscitated.”

According to shark scientists who inspected images of the man’s wound, the shark is likely to have measures approximately 4.5m.

Passers-by battled to try and save the man's life
Passers-by battled to try and save the man’s life after he was bitten on the leg

On Monday, two tagged sharks – measuring 2.5m and 2.8m – were detected along the same shore, but neither are believed to be responsible for the attack, reports news.com.au.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Joshua Smyth said: “Bystanders, including a retired paramedic, did a valiant job pulling the patient from the water and commencing CPR before paramedics arrived.

“These people should be commended for their brave actions.

The shark was believed to be around 4.5m in length - stock image
The shark was believed to be around 4.5m in length – stock image

The man, in his 50s, had been surfing at Tuncurry Beach, near Forster, in Australia
The man, in his 50s, had been surfing at Tuncurry Beach, near Forster, in Australia

“Paramedics and police worked well together in what was a confronting scene in difficult terrain.

“Our sympathies are with the man’s family at this difficult time.”

Local lifesaver Brian Wilcox said the attack was “pretty unprecedented”, adding “I can’t recall ever having a shark attack in this area.”

A drone had been circling the area and sharks had been spotted, he told ABC.

Tuncurry Beach and others nearby will remain closed for at least 24 hours.

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MidCoast Council posted on their Facebook page: “We have closed all beaches from Black Head to One Mile at Forster.

“This decision has been made based on advice from Surf Life Saving NSW officials.

“We will update here once beaches are reopened.”

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