Key Takeaways
- A 25-year-old Swiss national, Livia Mulheim, was killed by a 3m bull shark while swimming at Kylies Beach in NSW.
- Her boyfriend, Lukas Schindler, 26, suffered serious leg injuries trying to save her and is in a stable condition in hospital.
- The couple was filming a pod of dolphins when the attack occurred.
- Mulheim was a former synchronised swimmer and "passionate runner" who was studying her Master’s in Accounting and Finance.
- Authorities have been monitoring the area with drumlines and drones, but there have been no signs of the shark responsible.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park, on the Mid North Coast of NSW, when a Swiss national was killed by a shark while swimming. Livia Mulheim, 25, and her boyfriend Lukas Schindler, 26, were believed to be filming a pod of dolphins when they were mauled by a 3m bull shark. The attack resulted in Mulheim’s death, while Schindler suffered serious leg injuries trying to save her. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Victims
Livia Mulheim was described as a former synchronised swimmer and "passionate runner" who was studying her Master’s in Accounting and Finance at the University of St. Gallen. She had already obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the university in Switzerland and was working as an investment associate at Bellecapital, a wealth and asset management company based in Zurich. Her boyfriend, Lukas Schindler, is also an avid athlete, having participated in August’s Sydney marathon and completed a course to become a diving instructor. The couple had reportedly travelled extensively during their Australian stay, enjoying the country’s beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.
The Attack
The attack occurred when Mulheim and Schindler were swimming in the waters off Kylies Beach, a remote and unpatrolled beach located in Crowdy Bay National Park. The couple was filming a pod of dolphins when the 3m bull shark attacked Mulheim first. Schindler suffered serious leg injuries trying to save his girlfriend and managed to drag her 50m back to shore. Bystanders rushed to help, and paramedics were quickly called to the scene. Despite their best efforts, Mulheim could not be saved, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Schindler was flown by helicopter to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he remains in a stable condition.
Response and Investigation
Since the attack, authorities have been monitoring the area with drumlines and drones to try and locate the shark responsible. However, there have been no signs of the shark, and the investigation is ongoing. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of swimmers and surfers in the area, and beachgoers are being warned to exercise caution when entering the water. The NSW government has also launched an investigation into the incident, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Tributes and Condolences
Tributes have been pouring in for Livia Mulheim, with her employer, Bellecapital, describing her as a "passionate runner" and a talented individual who will be deeply missed. The company has expressed its condolences to Mulheim’s family and friends, and a fundraising campaign has been set up to support Schindler’s recovery. The incident has also sparked an outpouring of support from the community, with many people taking to social media to express their shock and sadness at the tragedy.
Conclusion
The death of Livia Mulheim is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with swimming and surfing in areas where sharks are present. While shark attacks are rare, they can be devastating, and it is essential to take precautions when entering the water. The incident has also highlighted the importance of having emergency services and medical facilities in place to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an attack. As the investigation into the incident continues, our thoughts are with Mulheim’s family and friends, as well as Schindler, who is recovering from his injuries.
