A 19-year-old woman was attacked to death by a great white shark after being pulled into the sea by a current in New Zealand – and her relative later went into the water to “challenge” the beast, according to reports.
Paramedics failed to save 19-year-old Australian Kaelah Marlow after she was attacked in Waihi Beach, New Zealand’s Plenty Bay, around 5 pm Thursday, The Sun reported.
Witness Tadhg Stopford said a helicopter landed on the beach, where Marlow received CPR for several minutes.
“A vigorous CPR was being applied and a troop of rescuers surrounded the victim,” he told the New Zealand Herald.
After efforts to save lives failed, a relative of Marlow entered the ocean, Stopford told the channel.
“The man got up and marched 100 meters out to sea,” he said. “His entry into the sea was a challenge, I think, for the shark that stole his beloved’s life. He defiantly went deep into the sea and stayed there for several minutes. “
Stopford added: “With my children around me, I felt their loss,” he added.
Amanda Gould, who was in the water at the time of the attack, said Marlow was pulled by a chain that separated her from a group of friends.
“We were in the water at the same time as the girl and her friends,” she told local news agency Stuff, The Sun reported.
“They were about five meters ahead of us, but they kept getting farther and farther away,” said Gould. “She separated from all her friends and was pulled very far, beyond where the surfers would sit.”
Gould said he saw Marlow start to fight.
“No one saw her waving, but I heard a scream,” she said. “I didn’t see any blood … she was alive and when they reached the coast. They started CPR immediately. “
Gould added: “It was shocking, surreal, and we were all a little scared. It keeps playing in my mind. “
Police said on Friday that the death would be referred to the coroner.
“The police extend our deepest condolences to Kaelah’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time,” said the police, according to news.com.au.
“We appreciate that her death was extremely traumatic for those who were in Waihi Beach yesterday and we are offering victim support services to those in need.”
Marlow moved to New Zealand five years ago with his parents, Robert and Michelle, and his 17-year-old sister, Georgia, according to The West Australian.