SYDNEY (AP) – A surfer was fatally bitten by a shark off the east coast of Australia on Sunday as many locals went to the beaches to celebrate Father’s Day.
Surfers, spectators and paramedics performed CPR on the man, but he had a critical arm wound and was unable to revive, said Chris Wilson, an ambulance officer in New South Wales.
The attack took place off Shelly and Emerald Beaches in Coffs Harbor, about 530 kilometers (330 miles) north of Sydney.
Witness Aaron Armstrong said Emerald Beach was very popular and many locals were on the water enjoying and celebrating Father’s Day. “Yes, it will change the fabric a bit for a while at EB, that’s for sure,” Armstrong told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
He said it was the first shark attack on the community that he and other residents knew about.
The state of New South Wales is blocked by coronavirus, but people can leave their home to exercise, including swimming. People from the same family can go to the beach on Father’s Day.
Earlier on Sunday, the most recent shark attack in Australia was in May off the coast of Forster, 220 kilometers (137 miles) north of Sydney.
Calling all HuffPost superfans!
Sign up to be a founding member and help set up the next chapter of HuffPost