A 17-year-old girl has died following a devastating shark attack at Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.
Tragic Shark Attack Claims Life of Young Surf Lifesaver
Charlize Zmuda, a former captain of the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club was swimming off Woorim Beach on Monday afternoon when the attack occurred. Emergency services rushed to the scene just before 5pm, but despite their best efforts, she succumbed to severe injuries to her upper body.
Beachgoers enjoying their afternoon were suddenly startled by what one witness described as “piercing screams” coming from the water. Initially, many thought she had been caught in a rip, unaware of the life-and-death struggle of the teenager.
Chris Potter, who was at the beach during the attack said that no one was aware of what was happening.
A Young Life Cut Short
In the days leading up to the tragedy, she had been soaking up the summer, sharing photos of herself surfing at sunrise, playing guitar by a bonfire, and cruising along the beach in her Jeep loaded with surfboards.
Her sudden and heartbreaking death has deeply impacted her friends, family, and the wider community. As news of the tragedy spread, loved ones gathered on the beach, embracing and paying their respects. Some left a carton of beer in her honour.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed his condolences, calling the loss “one of the most horrific things.”
Shark Control Measures
Authorities have deployed drumlines in the waters off Woorim Beach to monitor shark activity. These baited devices alert scientists and marine crews when a shark takes the bait, allowing for a quick response.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries also confirmed that drones are used to scan for sharks, though only during the peak summer holiday period.
A Deadly Summer for Shark Attacks
Charlize’s death marks the third fatal shark attack in Australia this summer, raising further concerns about safety in the country’s waters.
- In December, 40-year-old pastor Luke Walford was killed while spearfishing near Humpy Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
- In January, 28-year-old surfer Lance Appleby died after being attacked off the coast of South Australia.
- Earlier in December, another spearfisher was attacked off Curtis Island near Gladstone but survived.
With another young life lost, discussions around shark management and beach safety are once again in the spotlight. For now, the Bribie Island community is grieving the tragic loss of a young woman who had her whole future ahead of her.
Published 4-Feb-2025
