Beaches are currently off limits due to the tragic attack on Wednesday. Photo: AdobeStock
Malabar magic ocean swim will be canceled as a result of the horrific shark attack that took place in Sydney on Wednesday the 16th of February. The 35-year-old man has been identified as Simon Nellist, a swimmer who had been training.
At about after 4 pm on Wednesday afternoon, Simon Nellist was attacked by a shark. It is believed to be a great white according to previous reports. The attack was unfortunately fatal as nothing could be done after he was brought ashore.
This attack comes days before the Malabar magic ocean swim, a charity event for which Simon Nellist was training for. A close friend of the victim relayed that there was a major shock in the news of his death. His life was surrounded by everything concerning the natural world.
According to The Guardian, this would be one of the first shark attacks since 1963 which dates back 60 years ago. The Malabar magic swim event has now been postponed out of respect to the victim’s family. Previous reports relayed that this might be postponed until March.
“Everything that is connected to Simon, to me is connected to the ocean. The news hit us like a truck, because he really is one of the people that makes this Earth better.”
Della Ross
Presently, the region where the attack took place is now sealed off. Drones and helicopters are monitoring the area to see if there are any more sharks in the vicinity. While this takes place, everyone has been advised to not get into the water as it is still dangerous at the time.
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As relayed by NPR, one is more likely to die from things like heart disease, drowning, lighting, and fireworks than from a shark attack. It is also reported that most sharks are harmful to humans but there are precautions to take to avoid encounters.
The New South of Wales police did not give the particulars of the attack but a witness reported that the attack lasted for several seconds after the swimmer was dragged underwater. The witness also relayed that the swimmer did give out a shout before being dragged underwater.