This is the third fatal shark attack to take place in Australian waters this year.
The surfer was killed in the waters off Salt Beach in New South Wales. The shark was described to be around 3.5 meters (11 feet) long.
The victim has been identified as Rob Pedretti, 60, who died from his injuries following the shark attack.
Following the initial reports of the attack, which took place today, June 7, police tried to scare the shark off.
In the 9 News Australia report, the great white shark didn’t phase when the police flew a chopper overhead, so they took to the waters on a boat and jet ski. The shark stayed in the area for 30 minutes before moving into deeper water.
The police were given the authority to kill the shark as it had to be battled by other surfers, and the shark also remained nearby for a few hours after the attack.
The shark wasn’t killed after the police kept an eye off it and eventually left the area. It hasn’t been seen since the day of the attack, so the police have no intention of killing it.
Pedretti was still conscious after he was bitten. He was brought back to the shore by two other surfers and later died because of the injuries.
Terence Savage, New South Wales Ambulance Inspector, said the paramedics at the scene did everything they could to try and save his life but were sadly unable to do so.
“They got him on one of the boards and tried to stabilize him and take him to shore,” Inspector Matthew Kehoe said. “The shark circled them for a period of time while they brought the gentleman into shore. Their actions were nothing short of heroic.”
Following the actions of the two surfers, police are determined to acknowledge their heroic act.
“We’ll be making some recommendations at a later stage in regards to their actions today.”
Meanwhile, Salt Beach will be closed for 24 hours, as well as other beaches in the area.