Investigators believe the pair had been visiting Australia from Switzerland, although their names have not been made public. Police stated that next of kin notifications were underway through consular channels.
In line with standard procedure following a fatal marine incident, the beach at Crowdy Bay National Park was immediately closed. Officers from the Mid North Coast Police District, together with state fisheries experts, remained at the scene on Friday to search for the animal and to gather forensic evidence. A formal report will be prepared for the coroner, who will examine the circumstances surrounding the death.
While fatal encounters are uncommon, Australia records some of the highest numbers of unprovoked shark incidents worldwide. The Australian Shark Incident Database, maintained by Taronga Conservation Society Australia, lists an average of one to two fatalities per year over the last decade. New South Wales has introduced aerial drone patrols, tagged-shark monitoring and public education campaigns in an effort to reduce risk, yet experts note that large predatory species can still enter coastal waters frequented by swimmers and surfers.
Detective Inspector Jason Hargreaves, speaking at the shoreline on Friday morning, said officers would review environmental factors such as water clarity, bait-fish activity and tide conditions at the time of the attack. “Our priority is to establish exactly what happened and to provide answers to the families involved,” he said. Authorities have not disclosed the species responsible, though earlier incidents in the region have involved great white and bull sharks.
Local surf lifesaving captain Michelle Porter, whose volunteers assisted paramedics, reminded the public that the beach closure remains in place. “We ask people to stay out of the water until the all-clear is given,” Porter said, adding that signage and patrols would continue over the weekend.
The Swiss Embassy in Canberra released a brief statement confirming it is cooperating with Australian officials and providing consular support. Under Australian law, identities of deceased persons are typically withheld until formal identification and family notifications are complete.
Imagem: Internet
Tourism operators in the Mid North Coast region expressed sympathy while urging visitors to observe safety guidelines. “Occurrences like this are tragic but rare,” said Kevin Morris, a Port Macquarie charter-boat owner. “We encourage everyone to use designated swimming areas and heed lifeguard advice.”
Thursday’s incident marks the first recorded fatal shark attack in New South Wales this year. The most recent deadly encounter in the state occurred in September 2025 at Dee Why Beach in Sydney, when a surfer was bitten in the early morning hours.
New South Wales Fisheries will deploy drumlines and conduct aerial surveillance over the coming days as part of its standard response. Data collected will contribute to ongoing research aimed at understanding shark movements along the coastline.
Officials have not provided a timeline for reopening Crowdy Bay; the decision will depend on investigative needs and safety assessments. In the meantime, beachgoers elsewhere are advised to swim between the flags at patrolled locations, avoid the water at dawn or dusk, and refrain from entering the ocean where schools of fish or marine mammals are present.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has footage from the area around 6:00 a.m. Thursday is urged to contact Crime Stoppers to assist the investigation.
Crédito da imagem: Mark Baker/AP
