Australian shark attack: boy, 17, dies from injuries after being bitten on NSW north coast

A shark attack on New South Wales’s north coast has claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy.

Witnesses have told police a shark attacked the teenager while he was surfing at Wilsons Headland at Wooli Beach, near Grafton, just before 2.30pm.

Several board-riders came to his assistance before the injured teenager could be helped to shore.

First aid was given for serious injuries to his legs and, despite CPR efforts to revive him, the 17-year-old died at the scene.

Beaches in the area, including Wooli, Diggers Camp and Minnie Water, were closed.

The Clarence Valley mayor, Jim Simmons, said visitors had flocked to the region for the school holidays and there would likely have been many people in the water.

“What’s happened there this afternoon would shake everybody,” Simmons said. “It’s terribly shocking. All of our sympathies, from people in the area, go out to the boy’s family.

“I just ask people to look out for their safety on the beaches.”

Officers from the Coffs/Clarence police district will be liaising with the Department of Primary Industries to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Beachgoers are urged to follow safety advice from Surf Life Saving NSW and by visiting dpi.nsw.gov.au/sharks and using the SharkSmart app.

with Australian Associated Press