Local authorities in Perth, Western Australia, reported that a shark attacked and killed a 16-year-old girl as she was swimming in a river.
Following the teen’s removal from Swan River, authorities declared her dead
“This is an extremely traumatic incident for anyone to witness,” Inspector Paul Robinson from Western Australia Police told a press briefing.
According to Inspector Robinson, the girl dove in to swim with a pod of dolphins that had been spotted nearby.
She had been retrieved from the river by police, who also made attempts to save her life, but she she died at the scene, he added.
Official investigations are currently being conducted.
Robinson stated that it was unclear what species of shark had attacked the girl, although local media sources have speculated that it may have been a bull shark, which is a regular sight in most Australian rivers.
A local man in his 50s was attacked by a bull shark in Swan River in 2021. Witnesses rescued him from the water while they worked to stop the blood in his leg.
Although bull sharks can be aggressive at times, attacks are still “extremely unusual events,” according to marine experts.
“The Swan River estuary is good bull shark habitat and this means people can come into close contact with them,” said Andrew Chin, a senior research personnel at James Cook University.
“Unfortunately some encounters end badly and in this case with tragic results.”
“Bull sharks can be very bold but it is also important to remember that these incidents are very, very rare events – (though) heartbreaking and traumatizing for everyone involved,” he added.
“Everyone should follow swimmer and shark safety advice from their local authorities (and) also be individually prepared in case the worst happens.
Author-Roberta Appiah
