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Swimmer killed in shark attack at Byron Bay

An onlooker has risked his life by rushing into blood-drenched water and pulling a shark attack victim to shore at a popular Byron Bay beach.

The swimmer, a local man in his 50s whose wife was waiting for him on the shore, died at the scene despite desperate attempts by his rescuer to revive him.

He was bitten on the right leg by what is believed to be a great white shark.


Newcastle lawyer Mark Hickey ran into the water on Tuesday morning to retrieve the man after witnessing the attack at Clarkes Beach on the NSW far north coast.

Mr Hickey says he saw a six or seven-foot shark menacing the victim.

"I saw what looked like seaweed but it was blood in the water," he told reporters at the scene.

"The shark came back to him and had another go. I didn't know it was a person but when I realised I ran out and waded to the bank and grabbed him ...

"I dragged him onto the sand and we tried to give him CPR, mouth to mouth, for about 20 minutes."

First on 7News: The Seven chopper captures this shot of a shark off Byron Bay following the fatal attack.
First on 7News: The Seven chopper captures this shot of a shark off Byron Bay following the fatal attack.

Inspector Bobby Cullen praised Mr Hickey's bravery, and said police were collecting statements from witnesses.

She said there were no plans to destroy the animal.

"If it is a great white, it is a protected shark," Insp Cullen told reporters.

"At this stage we just attempt to locate the shark."

Insp Cullen estimated the attack happened only 15 to 20 metres from the shore.

A large strip of coastline, from Broken Head to South Golden Beach, was closed for 24 hours.

Life guard Scott McCartney said roving patrols and a jet ski were scouring the water.

"After 24 hours, if we have no sightings, we'll re-evaluate and make sure it's safe for swimmers," he said.

Byron shire mayor Simon Richardson said the tight-knit community would rally around the man's family, after the news resonated with the many locals who visit the popular beach.

A man has died in a shark attack at Byron Bay on the NSW north coast, paramedics have confirmed. Photo: Courtesy of the ABC
A man has died in a shark attack at Byron Bay on the NSW north coast, paramedics have confirmed. Photo: Courtesy of the ABC

"That could have quite easily have been me and my little five-year-old girl," Mr Richardson said.

Mr Richardson said while the community would be grieving, he was certain locals would not support any attempt to have the shark responsible killed.

Seaworld's director of marine sciences, Trevor Long, reviewed helicopter footage of a large shark seen in the area soon after the incident.

"It does appear to be a great white shark," he said, adding it wasn't rare for sharks to go in so close to shore.

Mr Long extended sympathy to the family, but said the incident should not fuel debate about hunting sharks responsible for attacking swimmers.

"People need to understand there are risks, no matter where you go," he told AAP.