Sydney beaches closed after great white shark attack

A great white shark is believed responsible for mauling a woman near a shoreline, triggering the closure of multiple Sydney beaches despite soaring temperatures.

The woman, 55, was just 20 metres from the sands of Congwong Beach, in Sydney’s south-east, when she was attacked about 7pm Friday.

Department of Primary Industries confirmed to Daily Mail Australia on Saturday that the shark responsible was a deadly great white, which can grow to more than six metres in length.

The attack means Congwong, Frenchmans and Yarra Bay beaches will stay closed on Saturday, when temperatures are expected to climb to 33 degrees. 

A great white shark is believed responsible for mauling a woman at Sydney’s Congwong Beach (pictured), triggering the closure of multiple Sydney beaches despite soaring temperatures

The woman, 55, was just 20 metres from the sands of Congwong Beach, in Sydney's south-east, when she was attacked about 7pm Friday

The woman, 55, was just 20 metres from the sands of Congwong Beach, in Sydney’s south-east, when she was attacked about 7pm Friday

The attack means Congwong (pictured), Frenchmans and Yarra Bay beaches will stay closed on Saturday, when temperatures are expected to climb to 33 degrees

Meanwhile, the woman will undergo surgery on her leg at St George Hospital after she suffered lacerations and multiple puncture wounds.

Fishermen helped pull the woman – who was heavily-bleeding – out of the water and called paramedics after she was attacked, Nine News reported. 

There have been no sightings of the shark since the attack. 

Officials from Randwick City Council said overnight the four beaches around La Perouse will be closed by lifeguards during the weekend. 

Meanwhile, the woman will undergo surgery on her leg (pictured) at St George Hospital

Meanwhile, the woman will undergo surgery on her leg (pictured) at St George Hospital

The woman suffered massive lacerations and multiple puncture wounds on her leg

The woman suffered massive lacerations and multiple puncture wounds on her leg

There have been no sightings of the shark since the attack at Congwong Beach (pictured)

There have been no sightings of the shark since the attack at Congwong Beach (pictured)

Randwick mayor Lindsay Shurey said: ‘From all accounts the woman was very lucky and certainly the whole community’s heartfelt thoughts are with her for a full recovery.

‘I’ve lived in the area for 25 years and this is the first confirmed shark attack in Randwick City. We’re all a little shocked and concerned.

‘As a precaution, Council Lifeguards have immediately closed all the La Perouse beaches including including Congwong, Little Congwong, Yarra Bay and Frenchman’s Bay for at least Saturday.

‘Council Lifeguards will be stationed at the usually unpatrolled beaches on Saturday to advise swimmers not to swim.’  



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