Overfishing has savaged populations of some sharks and rays by more than 70 percent in the last half-century, leaving a "gaping, growing hole" in ocean life, according to a new study.

Decades of data show an alarming decline in species ranging from hammerhead sharks to manta rays.

Among the worst-affected is the oceanic whitetip, a powerful shark often described as particularly dangerous to man that now hovers on the edge of extinction because of human activity.

Targeted for their fins, oceanic whitetips are also the victims of&nbsp;&nbsp;indiscriminate fishing techniques. Their global population has dropped 98 percent in the last 60 years.

"That's a worse decline than most large terrestrial mammal populations, and getting up there or as bad as the blue whale decline," Nick Dulvy, a professor at Simon Fraser University's department of biological sciences, told AFP.

Dulvy and a team of scientists spent years collecting and analysing information from scientific studies and fisheries data to build up a picture of the global state of 31 species of sharks and rays.

They found three-quarters of the species examined are now so depleted that they are threatened with extinction.

"We knew the situation was bad in a lot of places but that information came from different studies and reports, so it was difficult to have an idea of the global situation," the study's lead author Nathan Pacoureau told AFP.

"We show steep declines and a rapidly rising extinction risk for the most wide-ranging species in the largest, most remote habitats on the earth, which are often assumed to be protected from human influence," added Pacoureau, a post-doctoral fellow at SFU's department of biological science.

The study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, points the finger at overfishing and weak protection, and calls for tighter restrictions and better implementation of existing rules.

The researchers note that species can stage a comeback when conservation efforts are made, so losses are not always irreversible.

The study focuses on oceanic sharks and rays, species that primarily live in open water. While it found variation in the health of different populations, the overall trend was clear.

"The data revealed a gaping, growing hole in ocean life," Pacoureau said.

- 'Stunned into silence' -

For 18 species where more data was available, the researchers concluded global populations fell over 70 percent since 1970.

Dulvy said the figure was likely to be similar, or even worse, for other oceanic sharks and rays, but gaps in data made it difficult to make definitive conclusions.

The results were a shock even for experts, Pacoureau said, describing specialists at a meeting on shark conservation being "stunned into silence" when confronted with the figures.

Three sharks were found to be critically endangered, with their populations declining by more than 80 percent -- the oceanic whitetip shark, scalloped hammerhead and great hammerhead.

Sharks and rays are especially vulnerable to population collapse because they grow slowly and reproduce comparatively infrequently.

The study notes a two-fold increase over the last half-century in the use of fishing with longlines and seine nets -- methods that can snare marine life indiscriminately, including endangered animals.

Regional bodies that manage international fisheries "have not prioritised shark and ray protection," Pacoureau said. He backs catch bans for endangered and critically endangered species, and limits for less threatened species.

"Proactive measures can prevent population collapses. And we know they work," he added, pointing to the recovery of great white sharks around the US after new regulations.

Dulvy said ordinary citizens had a role to play by pressing governments to meet their national and international commitments.

"Wherever you can, urge your government to care for sharks," he said.

Overfishing has savaged populations of some sharks and rays by more than 70 percent in the last half-century, leaving a "gaping, growing hole" in ocean life, according to a new study.

Overfishing has savaged populations of some sharks and rays by more than 70 percent in the last half-century, leaving a "gaping, growing hole" in ocean life, according to a new study. Decades of data show an alarming decline in species ranging from hammerhead sharks to manta rays. Among the worst-affected is the oceanic whitetip, a powerful shark often described as particularly dangerous to man that now hovers on the edge of extinction because of human activity. Targeted for their fins, oceanic whitetips are also the victims of indiscriminate fishing techniques. Their global population has dropped 98 percent in the last 60 years. "That's a worse decline than most large terrestrial mammal populations, and getting up there or as bad as the blue whale decline," Nick Dulvy, a professor at Simon Fraser University's department of biological sciences, told AFP. Dulvy and a team of scientists spent years collecting and analysing information from scientific studies and fisheries data to build up a picture of the global state of 31 species of sharks and rays. They found three-quarters of the species examined are now so depleted that they are threatened with extinction. "We knew the situation was bad in a lot of places but that information came from different studies and reports, so it was difficult to have an idea of the global situation," the study's lead author Nathan Pacoureau told AFP. "We show steep declines and a rapidly rising extinction risk for the most wide-ranging species in the largest, most remote habitats on the earth, which are often assumed to be protected from human influence," added Pacoureau, a post-doctoral fellow at SFU's department of biological science. The study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, points the finger at overfishing and weak protection, and calls for tighter restrictions and better implementation of existing rules. The researchers note that species can stage a comeback when conservation efforts are made, so losses are not always irreversible. The study focuses on oceanic sharks and rays, species that primarily live in open water. While it found variation in the health of different populations, the overall trend was clear. "The data revealed a gaping, growing hole in ocean life," Pacoureau said. - 'Stunned into silence' - For 18 species where more data was available, the researchers concluded global populations fell over 70 percent since 1970. Dulvy said the figure was likely to be similar, or even worse, for other oceanic sharks and rays, but gaps in data made it difficult to make definitive conclusions. The results were a shock even for experts, Pacoureau said, describing specialists at a meeting on shark conservation being "stunned into silence" when confronted with the figures. Three sharks were found to be critically endangered, with their populations declining by more than 80 percent -- the oceanic whitetip shark, scalloped hammerhead and great hammerhead. Sharks and rays are especially vulnerable to population collapse because they grow slowly and reproduce comparatively infrequently. The study notes a two-fold increase over the last half-century in the use of fishing with longlines and seine nets -- methods that can snare marine life indiscriminately, including endangered animals. Regional bodies that manage international fisheries "have not prioritised shark and ray protection," Pacoureau said. He backs catch bans for endangered and critically endangered species, and limits for less threatened species. "Proactive measures can prevent population collapses. And we know they work," he added, pointing to the recovery of great white sharks around the US after new regulations. Dulvy said ordinary citizens had a role to play by pressing governments to meet their national and international commitments. "Wherever you can, urge your government to care for sharks," he said.

Dramatic shark decline leaves 'gaping hole' in ocean: Study

A woman in New Zealand died on Thursday following a suspected shark attack in the country's northern island, police said in a statement.

She was pulled from the waters at Waihi Beach, located about a two-hour drive south-east of Auckland, with wounds on at least one leg, local media reported. Emergency services were called to the beach but the woman died at the scene a short time later, police officials said.

Shark attacks are rare in New Zealand, where water sports and beach holidays are popular during the current summer season. More than 60 shark species are known to swim in the country's waters.

The last shark attack in New Zealand was in 2018 at Baylys Beach, north west of Auckland, although it was not fatal, according to the New Zealand police website.

The last fatal shark attack in the country was in 2013, the Shark Attack Data website shows.

The police could not confirm the woman died from a shark attack and have referred the case to the coroner, a police spokeswoman said.

A woman in New Zealand died on Thursday following a suspected shark attack in the country's northern island, police said in a statement. She was pulled from the waters at Waihi Beach, located about a two-hour drive south-east of Auckland, with wounds on at least one leg, local media reported.

A woman in New Zealand died on Thursday following a suspected shark attack in the country's northern island, police said in a statement. She was pulled from the waters at Waihi Beach, located about a two-hour drive south-east of Auckland, with wounds on at least one leg, local media reported. Emergency services were called to the beach but the woman died at the scene a short time later, police officials said. Shark attacks are rare in New Zealand, where water sports and beach holidays are popular during the current summer season. More than 60 shark species are known to swim in the country's waters. The last shark attack in New Zealand was in 2018 at Baylys Beach, north west of Auckland, although it was not fatal, according to the New Zealand police website. The last fatal shark attack in the country was in 2013, the Shark Attack Data website shows. The police could not confirm the woman died from a shark attack and have referred the case to the coroner, a police spokeswoman said.

Woman dies in suspected New Zealand shark attack

There have been several incidents in Australia this year where surfers have been attacked by sharks. One more surfer was attacked recently by a white shark and managed to escape.

A 29-year-old surfer was&nbsp;enjoying a normal surfing day on the Kangaroo Island near Australia's southern coast on Sunday when he was attacked by a white shark.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-great-barrier-reef-status-lowered-to-critical-and-deteriorating-347343">Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to critical and deteriorating</a>

The surfer while sharing his experience said, it felt like "being hit by a truck" on his left side when the white shark attacked him. "It bit me around my back, buttock and elbow and took a chunk out of my board," he said. "I got a glimpse of the shark as it let go and disappeared."

As soon as the surfer was able to call for help, an onlooker helped the man from&nbsp;D'Estrees Bay and assisted him in meeting a team of paramedics&nbsp;while on route to the island's main city of Kingscote.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-100-whales-die-after-mass-stranding-in-new-zealand-345260">Nearly 100 whales die after mass stranding in New Zealand</a>

When the paramedics attended the surfer, he was suffering from serious lacerations, the&nbsp;Ambulance leader Michael Rushby said. He was then airlifted to the mainland for better treatment.

Through initial health investigation, no life-threatening injuries have been reported and the surfer will be able to return back to the seas very soon, South Australia Police claimed.

"I'm feeling incredibly lucky and grateful, and I'm optimistic I'll make a full recovery," the man said in his statement.

This was the eight such serious shark attack in Australia this year.

There have been several incidents in Australia this year where surfers have been attacked by sharks. One more surfer was attacked recently by a white shark and managed to escape.

There have been several incidents in Australia this year where surfers have been attacked by sharks. One more surfer was attacked recently by a white shark and managed to escape. A 29-year-old surfer was enjoying a normal surfing day on the Kangaroo Island near Australia's southern coast on Sunday when he was attacked by a white shark. Also read| Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to critical and deteriorating The surfer while sharing his experience said, it felt like "being hit by a truck" on his left side when the white shark attacked him. "It bit me around my back, buttock and elbow and took a chunk out of my board," he said. "I got a glimpse of the shark as it let go and disappeared." As soon as the surfer was able to call for help, an onlooker helped the man from D'Estrees Bay and assisted him in meeting a team of paramedics while on route to the island's main city of Kingscote. Also read| Nearly 100 whales die after mass stranding in New Zealand When the paramedics attended the surfer, he was suffering from serious lacerations, the Ambulance leader Michael Rushby said. He was then airlifted to the mainland for better treatment. Through initial health investigation, no life-threatening injuries have been reported and the surfer will be able to return back to the seas very soon, South Australia Police claimed. "I'm feeling incredibly lucky and grateful, and I'm optimistic I'll make a full recovery," the man said in his statement. This was the eight such serious shark attack in Australia this year.

'Felt like being hit by a bus': Australian surfer attacked by white whale

A man has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach popular with tourists on Australia's northwest coast.

The man's death marks the eighth fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year.

On Sunday, police were called to a Cable Beach in the morning after reports of the attack -- when the man was pulled from the water and given medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.

"Police can confirm that tragically the man has died," Western Australia police said in a statement.

Shark attacks are rare on Cable Beach, a 22-kilometre (13-mile) stretch of pristine white sand next to the town of Broome.

But authorities are generally forced to close the beach once or twice a year when deadly saltwater crocodiles are spotted nearby.&nbsp;

There have been at least 22 shark maulings this year, according to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia government agency.

A man has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach popular with tourists on Australia's northwest coast. The man's death marks the eighth fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year.

A man has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach popular with tourists on Australia's northwest coast. The man's death marks the eighth fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year. On Sunday, police were called to a Cable Beach in the morning after reports of the attack -- when the man was pulled from the water and given medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. "Police can confirm that tragically the man has died," Western Australia police said in a statement. Shark attacks are rare on Cable Beach, a 22-kilometre (13-mile) stretch of pristine white sand next to the town of Broome. But authorities are generally forced to close the beach once or twice a year when deadly saltwater crocodiles are spotted nearby. There have been at least 22 shark maulings this year, according to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia government agency.

Man dies in shark attack off Australia's west coast

A world championship surfer had a close encounter with a shark on Wednesday (October 7) in New South Wales, Australia. The close call was captured by a patrol drone belonging to lifeguards at Sharpes Beach, 162 km (100 miles) away from Brisbane. In the footage, former pro surfer Matt Wilkinson is seen paddling on his surf board when a shark briefly surfaces behind him, then swims aw

Surfer narrowly escapes shark after drone warning in Australia

A world champion surfer from Australia narrowly escaped any possible attack from shark after the deadly marine fish encircled him before moving away from his feet.

The entire incident was captured by a done in which world championship surfer Matt Wilkinson was seen surfing at Sharpes Beach, 733 km (455 miles) north of Sydney when the shark came rushing towards him underneath his surfboard on Wednesday.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drone-footage-shows-world-championship-surfers-close-encounter-with-shark-333424/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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The video shot by lifeguards is of a 1.3-metre (five-feet) Great White Shark that circled Wilkinson and later moved away.&nbsp;

"I was surfing out the back at Sharpes Beach and just cruising on my own," Wilkinson said in a press released issued Surf Life Saving NSW, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"I heard a splash and a noise and looked around and couldn't see anything. Then the drone came down and told me that there was a dangerous shark in the area," he added.&nbsp;

"I realised how close it came without knowing it was there. I called my wife because I didn't want her to see the footage before I saw it. She doesn't want me surfing for a couple of days now."

Wilkinson is a former professional surfer and had completed his world championship heat just ahead of another Australian Mick Fanning's encounter with a large shark in 2015 in South Africa, which he successfully countered by punching it.&nbsp;

A world champion surfer from Australia narrowly escaped any possible attack from shark after the deadly marine fish encircled him before moving away from his feet.

A world champion surfer from Australia narrowly escaped any possible attack from shark after the deadly marine fish encircled him before moving away from his feet. The entire incident was captured by a done in which world championship surfer Matt Wilkinson was seen surfing at Sharpes Beach, 733 km (455 miles) north of Sydney when the shark came rushing towards him underneath his surfboard on Wednesday. Watch | Also read | Cold war bombs help scientists discover whale sharks can live up to a century! The video shot by lifeguards is of a 1.3-metre (five-feet) Great White Shark that circled Wilkinson and later moved away. "I was surfing out the back at Sharpes Beach and just cruising on my own," Wilkinson said in a press released issued Surf Life Saving NSW, as quoted by news agency Reuters. "I heard a splash and a noise and looked around and couldn't see anything. Then the drone came down and told me that there was a dangerous shark in the area," he added. "I realised how close it came without knowing it was there. I called my wife because I didn't want her to see the footage before I saw it. She doesn't want me surfing for a couple of days now." Wilkinson is a former professional surfer and had completed his world championship heat just ahead of another Australian Mick Fanning's encounter with a large shark in 2015 in South Africa, which he successfully countered by punching it.

Watch | Australia: World champion surfer narrowly escapes shark attack

A world championship surfer had a close encounter with a shark on Wednesday (October 7) in New South Wales, Australia. The close call was captured by a patrol drone belonging to lifeguards at Sharpes Beach, about 736 km (457 miles) away from Sydney. In the footage, former pro surfer Matt Wilkinson is seen paddling on his surf board when a shark briefly surfaces behind him, then swims away.

Drone footage shows world championship surfer’s close encounter with shark

People do anything&nbsp;to save their loved ones from troubles, and one man in Australia went into a fist-fight with a shark to save his wife.

Chantelle Doyle, a 35-year-old woman, was surfing at the&nbsp;Shelly Beach when she was&nbsp;attacked by a 2 to 3 metre shark.

After Doyle cried for help, her husband jumped to rescue her. In what is being described as a 'heroic act', he punched the great white shark and saved his wife. The incident happened at&nbsp;Port Macquarie in New South Wales.

Doyle's husband has not been named by the local media.

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Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce said, "This fella paddled over and jumped off his board onto the shark and hit it to get it to release her and then assisted her back into the beach,” Pearce said. “Pretty full on, really heroic."

The victim was treated by the onlookers and the paramedics at the port itself, and was later flown to Newcastle hospital. Her condition remains stable, and she will be recovering soon, the medical team claimed.

Inspector Andrew Beverley, of Ambulance NSW, said, "The bystanders on scene that rendered assistance should be commended. They did an amazing job."

Immediately after the attack, the beach was closed down for the surfers and visitors. Pearce said his team was also providing coastal surveillance of the area to help spot the shark. This is the third serious shark attack in this particular stretch of the coast.

People do anything to save their loved ones from troubles, and one man in Australia went into a fist-fight with a shark to save his wife. Chantelle Doyle, a 35-year-old woman, was surfing at the Shelly Beach when she was attacked by a 2 to 3 metre shark.

People do anything to save their loved ones from troubles, and one man in Australia went into a fist-fight with a shark to save his wife. Chantelle Doyle, a 35-year-old woman, was surfing at the Shelly Beach when she was attacked by a 2 to 3 metre shark. After Doyle cried for help, her husband jumped to rescue her. In what is being described as a 'heroic act', he punched the great white shark and saved his wife. The incident happened at Port Macquarie in New South Wales. Doyle's husband has not been named by the local media. Also read: Killer whale, J35, who carried dead newborn for weeks is pregnant again Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce said, "This fella paddled over and jumped off his board onto the shark and hit it to get it to release her and then assisted her back into the beach,” Pearce said. “Pretty full on, really heroic." The victim was treated by the onlookers and the paramedics at the port itself, and was later flown to Newcastle hospital. Her condition remains stable, and she will be recovering soon, the medical team claimed. Inspector Andrew Beverley, of Ambulance NSW, said, "The bystanders on scene that rendered assistance should be commended. They did an amazing job." Immediately after the attack, the beach was closed down for the surfers and visitors. Pearce said his team was also providing coastal surveillance of the area to help spot the shark. This is the third serious shark attack in this particular stretch of the coast.

Australia: Husband saves wife by punching shark

A 17-year-old boy died after being bitten by a shark while surfing off Australia's east coast Saturday, authorities said.

Witnesses told police the boy had been attacked at Wooli Beach, 630 kilometres (390 miles) north of Sydney, New South Wales Police said in a statement.

"Several board-riders came to his assistance before the injured teen could be helped to shore," police said.

Despite attempts to revive the boy, who suffered serious leg injuries, he died at the scene.

It is the fifth known fatal shark&nbsp;attack in the country this year.

The death comes a week after a 36-year-old man was killed by a shark while&nbsp;spearfishing&nbsp;near the popular tourist destination of Fraser Island, about 700 kilometres (430 miles) north from Saturday's attack.

Australia&nbsp;has one of the world's highest incidences of shark&nbsp;attacks but fatalities are rare.

A 17-year-old boy died after being bitten by a shark while surfing off Australia's east coast Saturday, authorities said. Witnesses told police the boy had been attacked at Wooli Beach, 630 kilometres (390 miles) north of Sydney, New South Wales Police said in a statement.

A 17-year-old boy died after being bitten by a shark while surfing off Australia's east coast Saturday, authorities said. Witnesses told police the boy had been attacked at Wooli Beach, 630 kilometres (390 miles) north of Sydney, New South Wales Police said in a statement. "Several board-riders came to his assistance before the injured teen could be helped to shore," police said. Despite attempts to revive the boy, who suffered serious leg injuries, he died at the scene. It is the fifth known fatal shark attack in the country this year. The death comes a week after a 36-year-old man was killed by a shark while spearfishing near the popular tourist destination of Fraser Island, about 700 kilometres (430 miles) north from Saturday's attack. Australia has one of the world's highest incidences of shark attacks but fatalities are rare.

Teen surfer killed by shark, second in Australia in a week

An Australian teenager has survived a terrifying encounter with a great white shark, with her harrowing screams alerting her father who was certain it was about to &quot;eat her&quot;.

Sarah Williams, 15, was fishing for squid from a kayak off the South Australian coast near Normanville on Sunday when the shark struck.

Her rattled father Chris, in a small dingy nearby with his son and another daughter, said she was thrown in the air and landed in the water.

&quot;This shark has just rolled and all I saw was the dark side and the white belly and just huge fins and just white water everywhere,&quot; he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.

&quot;It was going to eat her.&quot;

He said the animal circled and hit the kayak several times as he rushed to his daughter`s aid, with son Mitchell dragging her from the water, over the shark, and into their boat.

&quot;That spine-tingling scream, that not only me but my son and eldest daughter heard, is something that you just can`t describe it,&quot; Williams added to the Nine Network as he fought back tears.

&quot;All night we`ve just sort of sat back and said, `how have we got out of this alive?`&quot;

The shark, suspected to be a great white and estimated to be the same length as the kayak, about 4.5 metres (15 feet), then stalked their motor boat for about 10 minutes as they headed for safety.

The girl, who escaped with minor cuts and bruises, said the ordeal was &quot;everything you picture in the Jaws movie&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;I saw it when I was in the water with it. I saw what it was and I saw its fin,&quot; she told Nine.

Police said the Sea Rescue Squadron was now patrolling the area, around 75 kilometres (46 miles) south of Adelaide.

The scare came just days after a diver survived intact after being forced to swim five miles back to shore shadowed by a large tiger shark after becoming separated from his boat in Western Australia.

John Craig told reporters on Sunday: &quot;I thought this was it, this is how I`m going to die.&quot;

There have been more than a dozen incidents with sharks off Australia`s vast coastline this year, including the death of a 17-year-old girl mauled in full view of her parents in Western Australia.

Experts say attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular and baitfish move closer to shore, but fatalities remain rare.

Sarah Williams, 15, was fishing for squid from a kayak off the South Australian coast near Normanville on Sunday when the shark struck

An Australian teenager has survived a terrifying encounter with a great white shark, with her harrowing screams alerting her father who was certain it was about to "eat her". Sarah Williams, 15, was fishing for squid from a kayak off the South Australian coast near Normanville on Sunday when the shark struck. Her rattled father Chris, in a small dingy nearby with his son and another daughter, said she was thrown in the air and landed in the water. "This shark has just rolled and all I saw was the dark side and the white belly and just huge fins and just white water everywhere," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Monday. "It was going to eat her." He said the animal circled and hit the kayak several times as he rushed to his daughter`s aid, with son Mitchell dragging her from the water, over the shark, and into their boat. "That spine-tingling scream, that not only me but my son and eldest daughter heard, is something that you just can`t describe it," Williams added to the Nine Network as he fought back tears. "All night we`ve just sort of sat back and said, `how have we got out of this alive?`" The shark, suspected to be a great white and estimated to be the same length as the kayak, about 4.5 metres (15 feet), then stalked their motor boat for about 10 minutes as they headed for safety. The girl, who escaped with minor cuts and bruises, said the ordeal was "everything you picture in the Jaws movie". "I saw it when I was in the water with it. I saw what it was and I saw its fin," she told Nine. Police said the Sea Rescue Squadron was now patrolling the area, around 75 kilometres (46 miles) south of Adelaide. The scare came just days after a diver survived intact after being forced to swim five miles back to shore shadowed by a large tiger shark after becoming separated from his boat in Western Australia. John Craig told reporters on Sunday: "I thought this was it, this is how I`m going to die." There have been more than a dozen incidents with sharks off Australia`s vast coastline this year, including the death of a 17-year-old girl mauled in full view of her parents in Western Australia. Experts say attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular and baitfish move closer to shore, but fatalities remain rare.

'It was going to eat her': Australia teen survives shark scare

A 17-year-old girl has died after being mauled by a shark in full view of her parents on Australia&#39;s southwest coast, authorities said Tuesday.

She was surfing with her father near Wylie Bay late Monday afternoon, reports said.

The girl had lost a leg and was bleeding heavily when she was pulled from the water and rushed to hospital in the Western Australian town of Esperance.

Her mother and two younger sisters witnessed the attack from the beach and alerted emergency services.

&quot;The girl&rsquo;s father had been some distance away at the time of the attack and heard her scream before she was pulled under water by the shark,&quot; The West Australian newspaper reported.

&quot;When she resurfaced, her father paddled over and dragged her to the shore with the help of another teenager.&quot;

&quot;Condolences to the family and friends of the victim involved in today&#39;s tragedy,&quot; Esperance police tweeted. &quot;Devastating circumstances&quot;.

Local authorities announced Wylie Bay beach was closed until further notice and people were urged to stay out of the water.

The Esperance Express said the department of fisheries would patrol the beach Tuesday.

A man lost his left arm and right hand when two great whites attacked him at Wylie Bay in October 2014.&nbsp;

Last May-June there were two fatal shark attacks in Western Australia.

A 29-year-old man died following an attack at Falcon Beach, near Mandurah, and a great white killed a 60-year-old woman near the state capital Perth.

Experts say shark attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular and bait fish move closer to shore.

(AFP)

The 17-year-old was surfing with her father near Wylie Bay on Australia's southwest coast

A 17-year-old girl has died after being mauled by a shark in full view of her parents on Australia's southwest coast, authorities said Tuesday. She was surfing with her father near Wylie Bay late Monday afternoon, reports said. The girl had lost a leg and was bleeding heavily when she was pulled from the water and rushed to hospital in the Western Australian town of Esperance. Her mother and two younger sisters witnessed the attack from the beach and alerted emergency services. "The girl’s father had been some distance away at the time of the attack and heard her scream before she was pulled under water by the shark," The West Australian newspaper reported. "When she resurfaced, her father paddled over and dragged her to the shore with the help of another teenager." "Condolences to the family and friends of the victim involved in today's tragedy," Esperance police tweeted. "Devastating circumstances". Local authorities announced Wylie Bay beach was closed until further notice and people were urged to stay out of the water. The Esperance Express said the department of fisheries would patrol the beach Tuesday. A man lost his left arm and right hand when two great whites attacked him at Wylie Bay in October 2014. Last May-June there were two fatal shark attacks in Western Australia. A 29-year-old man died following an attack at Falcon Beach, near Mandurah, and a great white killed a 60-year-old woman near the state capital Perth. Experts say shark attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular and bait fish move closer to shore. (AFP)

Family sees shark kill teen daughter

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