On Monday, December 18, 2023, a 21-year-old woman was bitten by a shark while wading in knee-deep water near the Riverton, New Zealand rugby grounds.
The incident, which occurred at around 2 am, left the victim with a significant laceration to her leg, necessitating immediate medical attention.
The victim, a local supermarket employee well-known in the Riverton community, is currently recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Southland Hospital.
Her mother, who was in London at the time of the incident, rushed back to New Zealand to be by her daughter’s side. She expressed confidence in her daughter’s strength and resilience, acknowledging the long road to recovery that lies ahead.
Hato Hone St John (healthcare service) responded to the emergency with an ambulance and a rapid response unit, confirming that they were notified of the animal-related incident at 2:27 am. The victim was transported in serious condition to Southland Hospital, located about 30 kilometers west of Invercargill.
Authorities suspect the attacking shark to be a sevengill shark, a species common in southern New Zealand coasts and known for its curiosity.
Sevengill sharks, which can grow up to three meters in length, are characterized by serrated teeth slanted sideways with sharp cusps. Despite their presence in shallow to deep waters around New Zealand, attacks of this nature are rare.
Riverton Coastguard president Ross McKenzie expressed his surprise at the attack, noting that this was the first incident of its kind in the estuary during his two decades in Riverton. While local fishermen often see and catch these sharks, particularly at night, such attacks are not common in the area.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution while in the water. Swimmers are advised to follow safety guidelines and avoid late-night swims, especially in areas known for shark activity.
