Karmactive Staff
A woman in her 50s is fighting for her life after a shark attack at Gunyah Beach near Bundeena in southern Sydney. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025, when the woman was swimming approximately 15 meters from shore.
Heroic Rescue Saves Victim’s Life
Bystanders quickly responded to the woman’s screams for help. Two men immediately entered the water to rescue her despite the obvious danger.
“The bystanders that assisted before we got there were just absolutely remarkable,” said Acting Inspector Andrew Bibby from NSW Ambulance. “They made their way into water which they, I would say, knew to be dangerous to assist her and got her out of there. I’m not sure that she would have gotten out of the water without their help.”
These quick-thinking individuals used beach towels as makeshift tourniquets to control the severe bleeding from a major laceration to her right leg. Their immediate first aid likely saved her life before emergency services arrived approximately 19 minutes later.
“The first aid they applied was absolutely spot on and really laid a great foundation for the work we were able to do to try and stabilise her,” Inspector Bibby added.
Challenging Rescue Operation
The remote location of the attack complicated rescue efforts. “Where she was was quite an isolated part of the beach, there was only pedestrian access through 50 stairs,” explained NSW Ambulance acting inspector Andrew Bibby.
Paramedics had to carry the woman around 800 meters to Bundeena Wharf where she was loaded into an ambulance. From there, she was transported to Bundeena Oval and airlifted to St George Hospital by Toll Helicopter. She remains in serious but stable condition.
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Beach Closures and Safety Measures
Following the attack, the Sutherland Shire Council closed all Bate Bay beaches, including Cronulla, Elouera, Wanda, Greenhills, Hordens, Gunyah, and Silver Beach until further notice.
“In the interests of public safety, beachgoers are asked to follow instructions from our lifeguards and to obey signage displayed on site,” a shire spokesman said.
The Department of Primary Industries is working to identify the shark species involved in the attack. Meanwhile, Marine Area Command has conducted extensive patrols but has been unable to locate the shark.
Shark Attack Trends in Australia
This incident adds to several shark attacks in Australia this summer. Recent fatal attacks include 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda at Bribie Island’s Woorim Beach on February 3, and youth pastor Luke Walford in Queensland’s Keppel Bay Islands National Park in December.
Another serious incident involved a 29-year-old man who suffered abdominal injuries and leg lacerations from a shark attack at The Wrecks Walking Track on Moreton Island, Queensland.
In January, surfer Lance Appleby, 28, went missing after a shark attack at Granites Beach on the Eyre Peninsula, about 280km south of Adelaide. In Western Australia, surfer Dale Kittow, 37, narrowly escaped when a bronze whaler shark damaged his board at Cheynes Beach in Albany.
Shark attacks remain relatively rare worldwide despite their serious nature.
Victim’s Account
According to paramedics, the woman was conscious and able to speak after the attack. “She was able to tell us she felt a strike to the leg very unexpected with immediate excruciating pain,” Inspector Bibby said. “She didn’t report seeing what caused it but most likely a shark, we would think.”
Local witness Kevin McKay described the scene: “A woman with deep lacerations above the right knee. People were quick to jump in the water to bring her to shore and to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Local paramedics arrived within 19 minutes. I think she will be okay.”
As the investigation continues and beaches remain closed, authorities urge the public to heed safety warnings and remain vigilant when swimming in ocean waters
What happened during the shark attack at Gunyah Beach?
A woman in her 50s was attacked by a shark while swimming about 15 meters from shore at Gunyah Beach near Bundeena in southern Sydney on Friday, March 7, 2025, around 1:30 PM. She suffered severe injuries to her right leg and was rescued by two men who heard her screams.
What is the condition of the woman who was attacked?
The woman is in serious but stable condition at St George Hospital. She suffered a major laceration to her right leg and significant blood loss but was conscious and able to speak with paramedics after the attack.
Which beaches have been closed following the attack?
The Sutherland Shire Council has closed all Bate Bay beaches including Cronulla, Elouera, Wanda, Greenhills, Hordens, Gunyah, and Silver Beach until further notice as a safety precaution.
Has the shark been located or identified?
The Marine Area Command conducted extensive patrols but has been unable to locate the shark. The Department of Primary Industries is working to identify the species of shark involved in the attack.
How common are shark attacks in Australia?
While shark attacks remain relatively rare, Australia has experienced several incidents this summer, including fatal attacks at Bribie Island’s Woorim Beach and Queensland’s Keppel Bay Islands National Park.
What should I do if I witness a shark attack?
If you witness a shark attack, call emergency services (triple-0) immediately. If safe to do so, help remove the victim from the water. Apply pressure to wounds to control bleeding, as the bystanders did in this incident. Stay with the victim until emergency services arrive.
