Shark Kills Woman in Her 20s, Critically Injures Partner After Attack During Early Morning Swim By Gabrielle Rockson

A woman in her 20s has died and a man has been critically injured following a shark attack at Kylies Beach in New South Wales, Australia.

The man and woman were a couple from Switzerland and had arrived at the Kylies Beach campground the night before, according to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian. They were reportedly having a morning swim when the incident took place.

On Thursday, Nov. 27, police revealed in a release that the woman died from the attack. While she is yet to be identified, police believe she was in her 20s.

“About 6.30am (Thursday 27 November 2025), emergency services were called to a beach at Crowdy Bay following reports two people had been bitten by a shark,” authorities said.

The Department of Primary Industries told The Sydney Morning Herald and the BBC that the shark was likely to be a bull shark around 10 feet long.

Authorities added in their statement, “Witnesses assisted the pair prior to the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, the woman died at the scene.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

PEOPLE has contacted the NSW Ambulance and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for comment.

“The man — also believed to be aged in his 20s — sustained serious injuries and has been airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition,” the NSW Police Force wrote in their release.

It’s reported that he tried to save his partner by fighting the shark before he was also attacked, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

Related Stories

Shark Attack Victim Shares Images of Shocking 10 Inch Thigh Scar from Attack by Great White: ‘No Hard Feelings’

Father, 57, Killed in ‘Freak’ Shark Attack 30 Minutes After Entering Water of Popular Beach: ‘Terrible Tragedy’

Bystanders reportedly used a makeshift tourniquet to wrap the man’s leg before emergency responders arrived, authorities told the BBC.

“The courage from some bystanders is amazing in this situation,” NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth told press, the outlet reported. “To put yourself out there is heroic and obviously it did give us time to get to that male patient.”

“The beach has been closed and officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District will liaise with experts from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to determine the species of shark involved,” the police said in their statement.

They concluded, “A report will be prepared for the Coroner.”