Woman dies in first fatal New Zealand shark attack since 2013

If confirmed, it would be 25th shark attack fatality recorded in New Zealand

Representative: Woman dies in first fatal New Zealand shark attack since 2013 (Getty Images)

A woman is suspected to have been killed in a shark attack at a beach in New Zealand’s northern island, police said, in the first such fatality in seven years. 

She was pulled from the waters at Waihi Beach, located around 150km south of Auckland, with wounds on at least one leg, local media reported. Emergency services were called to the beach but the woman died at the scene a short time later, police officials said.

Police said in a statement: "Initial indications suggest she may have been injured by a shark. Sadly she died at the scene a short time later."

The investigating officers have referred the case to the coroner, to seek confirmation on the cause of death, a police spokeswoman said.

Garry Webber, the mayor of Western Bay of Plenty called the woman’s demise and “awful situation.” 

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark tweeted her condolences. “Tragedy has struck our community at Waihī Beach where a woman died in a shark attack late this afternoon,” she wrote. “Deepest condolences to family & friends; this is devastating news. Solidarity with local emergency services in attendance.”

Though there has been a recorded instance of a shark attack in 2018, this is the first death from shark attack since 2013, when a 47-year old- man was fatally attacked at a beach near the city of Auckland. A policeman had fired up to 12 shots at the animal to retrieve the man’s body. 

If confirmed, it would be 25th shark attack fatality recorded in the Kiwi state, where more than 60 species are known to swim in country’s waters.

Allan Mundy, national search and rescue manager at Surf Life Saving New Zealand told the NZ Herald that we need to respect the animals residing the water bodies while asking them to not dispose of things like fish on the beach, as it attract all kind of animals including sharks. 

“We know that these animals are ever-present in our environment. What we ask people to do is always be vigilant, respect the animals, it's their home, not ours,” he said. "In the past, divers have become hassled by sharks because they've got the fish that they've speared on their dive belt," he added. 

Additional reporting by agencies