A tragic shark attack on the New South Wales Mid North Coast claimed the life of a young woman and left a young man seriously injured. Police have confirmed that the victims were acquainted with each other.

The unfortunate incident occurred at Crowdy Bay, near Port Macquarie, early in the morning, prompting an emergency response around 6:30 a.m.

Despite the prompt assistance of bystanders and the arrival of paramedics, the woman, believed to be in her 20s, sadly succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The man, also in his 20s, sustained severe injuries and was subsequently airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. Fortunately, his condition has been reported as stable.

Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth commended a bystander for their quick thinking and decisive action. By applying a makeshift tourniquet to the man’s leg, they may have saved his life, highlighting the critical importance of immediate first aid in such emergencies.

Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth praised a bystander who applied a makeshift tourniquet to the man’s leg, saying they “potentially saved his life”.

Police said whether more than one shark had been involved in the attack would be a matter of investigation.

Multiple beaches have been closed, with Surf Life Saving working to secure signage to let beach-goers know ahead of an anticipated hot weekend.

There will be extra surveillance at patrolled beaches on the weekend.

It’s not known when the closed beaches will be reopened.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce told 2GB the association was sending up surveillance drones and personnel to support police and the Department of Primary Industries.

“These incidents are horrific for everyone, and unfortunately we’ve had a few this year,” he said.

“This area, it’s just so remote, you know, there’s no lifeguarding service up there at all.”