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NZEALAND-SHARK-ATTACK-DEATH
Woman dies in suspected New Zealand shark attack
WELLINGTON, Jan 7, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – A woman has died after an apparent
shark attack at a popular New Zealand beach, police said Thursday. Police
were called to Waihi Beach on the east coast of the North Island in the early
evening following reports a woman had been injured in the water.
“Initial indications suggest she may have been injured by a shark. Sadly
she died at the scene a short time later,” police said in a statement.
If confirmed, it would be the 25th shark attack fatality recorded in New
Zealand and the first in seven years since a 46-year-old man died at Muriwai
near Auckland.
Waihi Beach promotes itself as “one of New Zealand’s safest surf beaches
and home to a vibrant and friendly beachside community.”
However, there have been occasional shark sightings in the area in recent
years including a 3.5 metre (11ft 5in) male last February.
BSS/AFP/RY/13:18hrs