“I’m very saddened" - Officials mourn shark attack at popular Australian tourist beach claims teen's life

A 17-year-old girl reportedly succumbed to death after being attacked by a shark at Woorim Beach at Bribie Island, north of Brisbane. According to reports, the teenager had gone swimming in the popular swimming, surfing, and fishing spot, flocked by locals and visitors.

According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, Queensland Police had reported that the victim suffered fatal injuries in the upper area of her body after the shark bite as she swam across the island.

Mark Booth, councilor of Moreton Bay, took to Facebook to express grief regarding the incident. He wrote-

“I’m very saddened to hear today, that a shark attack at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island has tragically claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl."

He concluded his words by saying,

"Our hearts break for her family and friends during this unimaginable time. May they find strength and comfort in the support of their loved ones and the community"

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What do we know about the incident?

According to a post on X, the Queensland Ambulance Service responded to a 'shark bite incident' involving a teenager at around 4:45 the evening, local time. They rushed to Woorim Beach, north of Brisbane. As per a report by Nine News, the unidentified teenager suffered a serious arm bite, 100 yards offshore from the beach.

While locals and paramedics tried to save the victim, the girl was declared dead on site. No other injuries were reported.

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A surge in similar incidents

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, drumlines are used to catch and monitor sharks in the area where the tragedy took place. According to locals, there are sharks near Brisbane, but not in this close proximity.

A coroner report is also being drawn up for the victim.

In three months, this is the third incident reported in Queensland. This was also the second fatal attack in around two months.

Surfer Lance Appleby also succumbed to death as he was attacked by a shark, in a similar incident in January in South Australia.

According to reports, he was near Streaky Bay at the Granites beach when he saw the shark approaching him.

Later, Appleby's damaged surfboard was recovered from the waters.

Researchers suggest that the area is a budding habitat for sharks.

Over the past couple of years, the southern region of Australia has witnessed a surge in similar incidents, and higher than usual numbers are being reported.