A woman in her late 20s suffered serious leg injuries on Monday after being attacked by a suspected bull shark in Sydney Harbor. 

The incident occurred around 8 pm at Elizabeth Bay in Sydney’s east while the victim was swimming.

Rare Shark Attack in Sydney Harbor

A local bystander, witnessing the attack, swiftly came to the woman’s aid. The bystander applied tourniquets to the victim’s right leg, who managed to drag herself to safety onto a nearby wharf. 

Paramedics arrived promptly, and the woman was taken to the hospital. The latest reports indicate that she is in stable condition. Authorities have initiated precautionary measures, with the marine command patrolling the area.

Shark attacks in Sydney Harbor are uncommon, although the region is recognized as a significant habitat for bull sharks and their young. This particular incident brings attention to the potential risks associated with sharing waters with such marine creatures.

The last notable shark incident in Sydney Harbor occurred in 2009 when an Australian navy clearance diver was attacked by a bull shark during a training exercise. The vicious attack resulted in the diver losing his arm and part of his leg. While these occurrences are infrequent, the incident serves as a reminder of the diverse marine life present in the harbor.

Fatal Shark Attack in Sydney

The February 2022 fatal shark attack at a Sydney beach, attributed to a 4 1/2-meter (15-foot) great white shark, was a tragic event. 

Witnesses described the attack as the first fatal shark incident in Sydney since 1963, highlighting the rare but significant impact that sharks can have on human activities in coastal areas.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess the risk, beachgoers and swimmers are urged to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. 

Understanding the presence of marine life in local waters and taking appropriate precautions can contribute to minimizing the potential risks associated with sharing these environments with sharks.