"Traumatised" shark attack witnesses condemned online
Witnesses to Sydney's deadly shark attack on Wednesday have come under fire online for how they responded to the tragedy unfolding before them.
Footage taken by a beachgoer of the attack has circulated on social media, sparking a furious response to both its grisly content and how witnesses reacted.
Bond University Associate Professor of Environmental Science Dr Daryl McPhee, who specialises in the study of human-shark interactions, says this condemnation has to end.
“Scapegoating of the witnesses who were at the scene must stop. They themselves are traumatised by what they have seen."
Initial reactions from those on the shore seemed show a lack of remorse as the tragedy unfolded, but Dr McPhee said this emotionless response is common when in a state of shock.
Dr McPhee also stressed that the victim and their loved ones should be considered in the conversation.
“The victim’s family and friends should be foremost in our minds,” he said.
“We need to let the authorities get on with their investigations."
“I’d also urge news and social media outlets to take down videos of the attack and its immediate aftermath.”
Following the deadly attack on Wednesday, NSW Ambulance inspector Lucky Phrachnanh said the swimmer “suffered catastrophic injuries and there was nothing paramedics could do”.
Human remains and half of a wetsuit were later found in the water.
Popular beaches in the area have closed since the attack, with Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders ensuring that Primary Industries would work with other authorities to determine if the killer shark - or any others - remained in the vicinity.
Image credits: Getty Images