Teenage Girl Killed in Shark Attack

A 17-year-old girl has tragically died after being attacked by a shark at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, a popular tourist destination off the coast of southeast Queensland, Australia.

Emergency services responded to reports of a “serious shark bite incident” around 4:45 pm on Monday. The girl was swimming approximately 100 meters offshore when she was attacked, suffering catastrophic injuries to her upper arm and body. Despite efforts at the scene, she could not be revived. The species of shark involved is currently unknown.

Witnesses reported seeing a young girl being consoled on the shore following the attack. Lifeguards had noted increased shark activity in the area in recent weeks.

Woorim Beach is a popular spot for camping, four-wheel driving, and surfing. Authorities use drumlines and drone surveillance to monitor sharks in the area.

Moreton Bay Councillor Mark Booth expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and friends, saying, “Our hearts break for her family and friends during this unimaginable time.”

Police are preparing a report for the coroner. This is believed to be the first fatal shark attack in the Greater Brisbane region since 2006. It follows another fatal shark attack in central Queensland just weeks ago. According to the Australian Shark-Incident Database, there’s been an average of 20 shark attacks resulting in injuries annually in Australia over the past ten years.