Shark Kills Japanese Surfer in Second Australia Attack in 2 Days

A Japanese surfer was mauled to death by a shark on Monday in the second attack off Australia’s east coast in two days, prompting authorities to close beaches.

The man, who hasn’t been named by authorities, was pulled from the sea by other surfers just before 10 a.m. at Shelly Beach on the northern coast of New South Wales, police said in a statement. He lost both his legs in the attack, the Daily Mail newspaper reported, citing a local cafe owner.

The incident comes just one day after a 35-year-old surfer was bitten on his back and buttocks by a shark at Seven Mile Beach, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) further up the coast. Beaches along a 15 kilometer stretch of coastline, from South Ballina to Lennox Head, have been closed amid concern a rogue shark responsible for both attacks is cruising the area.

There are 165 shark species in Australian waters including great white, tiger shark and bull shark, which are considered dangerous to humans. None are thought to target people and specialists say attacks occur when a shark confuses swimmers, surfers and divers with its usual prey.

Officers are trying to get in touch with the dead surfer’s family through the Japanese consulate, the state police’s media unit said.