AN EXPERIENCED surfer has been dismembered by a “large shark” in a deadly beach attack.
The 57-year-old dad was pulled out of the water alive but missing “a number of limbs” and died shortly after, according to Australian police.
People gather at the site of a fatal shark attack at Long Reef Beach in Sydney, Australia[/caption]
Police work at the site of the deadly shark attack[/caption]
He had been in the water at Long Reef Beach with friends at around 10am (12am UK time) this morning.
New South Wales police described the victim as an “experienced surfer” who leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
Two sections of a surfboard were also recovered and taken for examination, police said.
Experts are now working to identify the species of shark involved.
Officers said the man, who has not been named, had been surfing for about half an hour when he was attacked about 328ft from the shore.
New South Wales police inspector Stuart Thomson said: “It would appear that a large shark has attacked him and as a result of that he lost a number of limbs.
“His friends managed to make it back to the beach safely, and a short time later his body was found floating in the surf.
“Unfortunately by that time we understand he’d lost probably a lot of blood and resuscitation was not possible.”
