A 19-year-old woman was ripped to death by a great white shark after being pulled to sea by a power surge in New Zealand – and her relative later waded into the water to “defiantly” challenge the beast, according to reports.
Paramedics were unable to rescue Australian Kaelah Marlow, 19, after she was attacked at Waihi Beach, New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, around 5 p.m. 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 used and a troop of rescuers surrounded the victim,” he told the New Zealand Herald.
After the lifesaving attempts failed, a Marlow relative waded into the ocean, Stopford told the outlet.
“The man woke up and marched 100 yards into the sea,” he said. His entry into the sea was a challenge, I think, for the shark that had stolen his lover’s life. He defiantly waded deep into the sea and stayed there for a few minutes. “
Stopford added, “With my kids 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 back by a surge that separated her from a group of friends.
“We were in the water with the girl and her friends at the same time,” she told local Stuff news outlet, The Sun reported.
“They were about fifteen feet ahead of us, but they were getting further and further away,” Gould said. “She got separated from all her friends and was pulled really far out, beyond where the surfers would be.”
Gould said she saw Marlow wrestle.
“Nobody saw her wave goodbye, but I did hear a scream,” she said. “I didn’t see any blood… she was alive and when they came ashore. They immediately started CPR. “
Gould added, “It was shocking, surreal, and we were all in a bit of a panic. It just keeps on running through my mind. “
Police said on Friday that the death would be referred to the coroner.
“The police express our deepest condolences to Kaelah’s family and loved ones 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 provide victim assistance to anyone who needs it.”
According to The West Australian, Marlow moved with her parents, Robert and Michelle, and 17-year-old sister Georgia to New Zealand five years ago.