A 17-year-old girl has died after a shark attack at Bribie Island on Monday afternoon. The Bribie Island shark attack occurred at Woorim Beach, a popular surfing destination just north of Brisbane.
Figure 1: Charlize Zmuda, a member of the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club, died in shark attack just 100 metres from the shore (Source: Tiktok)
Charlize Zmuda Identified as Victim
Authorities have identified the victim as Charlize Zmuda, a member of the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club. She was swimming about 100 metres offshore when the shark attack at Woorim Beach happened. Australian media reports state the shark bit her arm, causing life-threatening injuries.
Emergency crews rushed to the Bribie Island shark attack scene at around 4:45 pm. Paramedics and witnesses tried to save her, but she died at the scene shortly after 5:00 pm.
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Eyewitness Describes the Horror
Christopher Potter, who arrived at Woorim Beach shortly after the incident, described the shock of the shark attack at Bribie Island.
“There are a lot of swimming groups that swim along here, morning and afternoon,” he told ABC News. “It’s known there are a lot of sharks around Bribie, but this close to shore, it’s still a shock.”
Another witness told the Courier-Mail that people first thought Charlize had been caught in a rip before hearing a piercing scream from the water.
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Shark Attack Brisbane Update
Authorities have not yet identified the shark species responsible for the Woorim Beach shark attack. The Bribie Island shark attack update confirms that drumlines are installed in the area to reduce shark risks. These baited hooks aim to catch dangerous sharks and relocate or euthanise them.
Officials have not confirmed whether the drumlines were baited when Charlize Zmuda was attacked. Queensland Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Community in Mourning
The Bribie Island community has been left devastated by the tragedy. Charlize’s friends and family gathered at Woorim Beach to pay their respects. They were seen hugging and placing tributes for the teenager, who was well-known in the local surf club.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed his condolences on X.
“For someone so young to lose their life in a shark attack is an unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and Bribie community. Thank you to our first responders who were on the scene,” he wrote.
Shark Attacks in Queensland Remain Rare
Despite the Bribie shark attack, Queensland’s state government says shark attacks remain rare. Most shark species pose no significant risk to people. However, Monday’s shark attack at Woorim marks the second fatal shark attack in Australia this year.
On 2 January, Lance Appleby, a 28-year-old surfer, died in a shark attack off South Australia’s coast. Last December, Luke Walford, a 40-year-old pastor, was killed while spearfishing in the Great Barrier Reef.
The last fatal shark attack in the Greater Brisbane area happened in 2006, when 21-year-old Sarah Whiley died while swimming with friends.
Authorities to Investigate Bribie Island Shark Attack
Queensland authorities will investigate the Woorim Beach shark attack and review the safety measures in place. They will examine whether the drumlines were baited and if additional precautions are necessary.
The Bribie Island shark attack update has raised concerns about shark safety in Queensland. While drumlines and drone surveillance are in place, this tragedy highlights the risks of swimming offshore in shark-prone areas.
Final Thoughts
The Bribie Island community mourns the loss of Charlize Zmuda, a promising young swimmer. The shark attack at Woorim Beach has shaken the region, but authorities stress that such incidents remain uncommon.
As investigations continue, Queensland officials will assess current shark protection measures and consider any necessary improvements to prevent future shark attacks in Brisbane.