Kayaker Severely Injured in Rare Sydney Harbour Shark Attack

Quick Response by Local Vet and Neighbors Likely Saved Victim's Life

Lauren O'Neill, a 29-year-old kayaker, was severely injured in a rare shark attack in Sydney Harbour while swimming near a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay, less than 2 km from Sydney’s iconic Opera House.
O'Neill was bitten on her right leg by a suspected bull shark, resulting in significant blood loss and a broken bone. She was able to drag herself to a nearby wharf where a local veterinarian applied tourniquets and bandages to stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived.
O'Neill was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Doctors were able to save her leg after extensive surgery.
Shark attacks in Sydney Harbour are rare but the area is known to be an important habitat for bull sharks. This is the first shark attack in the harbour since 2009.
Local residents and authorities have praised the quick actions of the vet and other neighbors who provided first aid, potentially saving O'Neill's life.