A teenage girl has died after being mauled by a shark whilst swimming at a tourist hotspot in Australia.
The 17-year-old was attacked at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, earlier today.
The event marks the second fatal shark attack in Australia so far this year, following another deadly incident last month.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at approximately 4:45pm local time (6.45am UK time) following reports of the attack.
The incident took place at around 4:45pm local time (6.45am UK time) earlier today
7 News
Queensland Ambulance confirmed they were responding to a “serious shark bite incident” and treated the girl for critical upper body injuries.
Police later confirmed the teenager “sustained life-threatening injuries and succumbed to those injuries just after 5pm.”
Woorim Ocean Beach, where the attack occurred, is known as the closest surf beach north of Brisbane.
The location is a popular tourist destination and surf spot, attracting visitors to its coastal waters.
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The 17-year-old was attacked at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, earlier today
7 News
The attack follows the death of surfer Lance Appleby, 28, who was killed by a shark off South Australia’s coast in January.
Appleby was in the water at The Granites beach near Streaky Bay when witnesses spotted a figure approaching him.
Family friend Jeff Schumucker, who witnessed the incident, told 7NEWS: “He caught a wave and flipped off the wave and proceeded to paddle back, and he was attacked.”
A search effort saw witnesses on jet skis attempting to scare away potential threats, while others alerted authorities.
The location is a popular tourist destination and surf spot, attracting visitors to its coastal waters
7 News
Police later recovered Appleby’s shredded surfboard.
The stretch of South Australian coastline where Appleby died is known to be a shark hotspot, particularly during this time of year.
Shark researchers have identified the area as a favoured habitat for great white sharks due to ideal water conditions.
South Australia has experienced an increase in shark attacks over the past two years, with higher numbers than usual being reported in the region.