WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW
The woman mauled by a great white shark during a leisurely swim has been identified as 55-year-old Anna Shurapey, from Sydney’s south-west.
Ms Shurapey became the first shark attack victim in Botany Bay in 25 years when she was attacked 20 metres from Congwong Beach on Friday night, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Department of Primary Industries confirmed on Saturday that the shark responsible for her mauling was a juvenile great white, measuring between 2.7 and 3.2 metres long.
The attack triggered the closure of Congwong, Little Congwong, Yarra Bay and Frenchman’s Bay beaches, which stayed closed on Saturday during temperatures of 33C.
The woman mauled by a great white shark during a leisurely swim has been identified as 55-year-old Anna Shurapey (pictured), from Sydney’s south-west
Ms Shurapey became the first shark attack victim in Botany Bay in 25 years when she was attacked 20 metres from Congwong Beach (pictured) on Friday night
She 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
Ms Shurapey was in a stable condition on Saturday afternoon after she underwent surgery at St George Hospital.
Senior shark biologist from the DPI Dr Vic Peddemors said the woman suffered a ‘severe’ bite to her right leg, but expected her to make a full recovery.
He added: ‘I would be surprised if she had any severe damage, and I’m hoping she’ll recover soon.
‘I can confirm that it was likely a juvenile great white shark between 2.7 metres and 3.2 metres in length that was involved.
‘There have been no shark bites in the La Perouse area for an extremely long period – this is an unusual event.’
Randwick City Council mayor Lindsay Shurey described Ms Shurapey as ‘lucky to be alive’ when speaking to reporters on Saturday.
Ms Shurapey was in a stable condition on Saturday afternoon after she underwent surgery at St George Hospital
The woman suffered massive lacerations and multiple puncture wounds on her leg
‘I think she’s very lucky to still have her leg … and to survive,’ she said, according to Daily Telegraph.
‘She was swimming at dusk, which is never really recommended.’
Ms Shurapey underwent surgery at St George Hospital on Saturday after she suffered lacerations and multiple puncture wounds to her right leg.
Fishermen helped pull the 55-year-old – who was bleeding heavily – out of the water and called paramedics after she was attacked, Nine News reported.
There have been no sightings of the shark since the terrifying incident.
Officials from Randwick City Council said the beaches around La Perouse will be closed by lifeguards during the weekend.
There have been no sightings of the shark since the attack at Congwong Beach
Helicopters were seen above Congwong Beach on Saturday as they scoured the waters for the shark
A Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter hovers above Congwong Beach at La Perouse on Saturday
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.’