A 19-year-old woman was killed by a great white shark after being dragged into the sea by an unfriendly current in New Zealand, and her relative later entered the water to “challenge” the beast, according to reports .
Paramedics were unable to save 19-year-old Australian Kaelah Marlow after she was attacked on Waihi Beach in Plenty Bay, New Zealand, around 5pm on Thursday, The Sun.
Witness Tadhg Stopford said a helicopter landed on the beach, where Marlow received CPR for several minutes.
“Vigorous CPR was being applied and a troop of people who responded surrounded the victim,” he told the New Zealand Herald.
After life-saving efforts failed, a relative of Marlow’s entered the ocean, Stopford said on the way out.
“The man woke up and walked 100 meters into the sea,” he said. “His entry into the sea was a challenge, I suppose, for the shark that had stolen the life of his beloved. He challenged deep into the sea and stayed there for a few minutes.
Stopford added: “With my children around me, I felt their loss,” he added.
Amanda Gould, who was in the water at the time of the attack, said Marlow was swept away by a tearing current that separated her from a group of friends.
“We were in the water at the same time as the girl and her friends,” Stuff told local news, The Sun reported.
“They were about five feet in front of us, but they were getting further and further away,” Gould said. “She broke up with all her friends and took her far beyond where surfers could sit.”
Gould said he saw Marlow start fighting.
“No one saw her shaking, but I heard a scream,” she said. “I didn’t see any blood … she was alive and when they reached the coast. They started CPR right away. “
Gould added: “It was shocking, surreal and we were all a little freaked out. It keeps playing in my head. “
On Friday, police said the death would be referred to the coroner.
“Police extend our deepest sympathies to Kaelah’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time,” police said, according to news.com.au.
“We appreciate that his death was extremely traumatic for those who went to Waihi Beach yesterday and we offer victim support services to anyone who requires it.”
Marlow moved to New Zealand five years ago with her parents, Robert and Michelle, and 17-year-old sister Georgia, according to The West Australian.