Japanese Surfer Dies in Shark Attack in Australia Yesterday:

A 41-year old Japanese surfer named Tadashi Nakahara died after being attacked by a shark while surfing off Shelley Beach in Australia’s New South Wales.  It’s being reported that the shark inflicted severe injuries to the surfer’s legs.  The Nakahara was helped to the beach by other surfers.  He died on the beach from major blood loss.

Shark attacks are akin to the avalanches of the ski world.  They can be unpredictable.  They happen fast.  They can cause major injury and/or death.  They can happen when you think you’re in a safe position.

 “We believe he was surfing with up to four men, two were very close to him, they rendered assistance and brought him to shore.”

“Two other surfers paddled in to help out and help with the injuries. Unfortunately they could not stop the bleeding and at this stage we believe he died of blood loss. He had leg injuries and they were substantial, they were injuries that led to a significant loss of blood.”

We are now concentrating on searching the area and seeing if we can locate that shark. We believe it was a very large shark. The expert will assist us to determine what type of shark it was. Once we know what type of shark it is and receive advice on whether or not that shark poses a threat to humans, then we’ll assess what we’ll do about the shark.”  – Detective Inspector Cameron Lindsay told ABC Australia

Local Shelly Beach surfer Ryan Kenny posted this on Facebook today:

“A fellow surfer that I have shared many an empty surf with over the past 9 years Tadashi died this morning doing what he loved. Always polite & happy, many Ballina and Lennox surfers have shared the surf with Tadashi. Good knowing you mate, I won’t forget our empty midweek surfs R.I.P legend.”

This was the 2nd shark attack in two days in northern New South Wales.  All beaches from South Ballina to Lennox Head have been temporarily closed.

Tadashi Nakahara had been living in Ballina, Australia for the past year while working as a surfboard distributor for Webster Surfboards.  

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this fallen surfer.