A 19-year-old woman was killed by a large white shark after being pulled overboard by a breaking current in New Zealand – and her relative later entered the water to cause a “defiant” beast, according to reports.
Paramedics failed to save 19-year-old Australian Kaelah Marlow after she was attacked on Waihi Beach in New Zealand Bay around 5pm on Thursday, The Sun reported.
Witness Tadhg Stopford said a helicopter landed on the beach, where Marlow received CPR for a few minutes.
“Vigorous CPR was applied and a troop of respondents surrounded the victim,” he told the New Zealand Herald.
After life-saving efforts failed, a relative of Marlow’s entered the ocean, the Stopford outlet said.
“The man woke up and walked 100 meters into the sea,” he said. “His entry into the sea was a challenge, I think, for the shark who had stolen the life of his loved one. He defiantly went deep into the sea and stayed there for a few minutes. “
Stopford added: “With my children around me, I felt his loss,” he added.
Amanda Gould, who was in the water at the time of the attack, said Marlow was pulled by a breaking current that separated her from a group of friends.
“I was in the water at the same time as the girl and her friends,” she told local media Stuff, The Sun reported.
“They were about five feet in front of us, but they kept getting farther and farther out,” Gould said. “She separated from all her friends and was dragged far away, beyond where the surfers would be.”
Gould said he saw Marlow struggling.
“No one saw her waving, but I heard a scream,” she said. “I didn’t see any blood … she was alive when they reached the shore. They started CPR immediately. “
Gould added: “It was shocking, surreal and we were all a little scared. The game continues in my mind. “
On Friday, police said the death would be sent to the coroner.
“Police are extending the deepest sympathies of family and loved ones Kaelah at this very difficult time,” police said, according to news.com.au
“We appreciate that her death was extremely traumatic for those who were at Waihi Beach yesterday and we offer victim support services to anyone who requests it.”
Marlow moved to New Zealand five years ago with her parents, Robert and Michelle, and 17-year-old sister Georgia, according to The West Australian.