Swiss Tourist Killed in Shark Attack on Remote NSW Coast
Sydney 29 November,2025
News Report generated using Gemini AI/Fact checking in the Newsroom
Crowdy Bay National Park, NSW — A fatal shark attack on Thursday morning at a remote beach on the New South Wales Mid North Coast has claimed the life of a 25-year-old Swiss national, Livia Mulheim, and left her partner, Lukas Schindler, 26, with serious injuries.
The couple, believed to be tourists travelling Australia, were reportedly swimming at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park around 6:30 am when the attack occurred. The area is known for its isolation and is unpatrolled by lifeguards.
Victim Identified as Former Synchronised Swimmer
The victim, Livia Mulheim, has been identified by her employer in Zurich, Bellecapital, as a “passionate runner” and former synchronised swimmer who was pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of St. Gallen. She had previously obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the same Swiss university and was working as an investment associate.
Reports suggest the couple may have been filming a pod of dolphins with a camera just moments before the tragedy unfolded.
Partner’s Heroic Fight
Lukas Schindler, Ms. Mulheim’s partner, suffered severe injuries to his leg after attempting to fight off the shark when it first attacked Ms. Mulheim. Despite his wounds, Mr. Schindler managed the heroic feat of dragging his girlfriend approximately 50 meters back to the shore, where he yelled for assistance.
Bystanders on the beach immediately rushed to help, providing critical first aid. Authorities have particularly praised the courage of one individual who applied a makeshift tourniquet to Mr. Schindler’s injured leg, potentially saving his life by stemming severe blood loss.
Emergency services, including NSW Ambulance paramedics and a medical team flown in via helicopter, arrived quickly at the remote location. Tragically, Ms. Mulheim was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Schindler was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
Bull Shark Suspected
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has determined that a bull shark, estimated to be more than three metres in length, was the likely species involved in the attack.
In response to the fatality, the beach was immediately closed, and local authorities, in conjunction with the DPI, are conducting drone surveillance and have temporarily installed SMART drumlines in the vicinity of Kylies Beach to monitor and tag marine life.
The Swiss government has confirmed the victims’ nationality and their foreign affairs department is providing support to the families involved in this tragic incident. The attack marks the fifth fatal shark incident in Australian waters this year.
