Swimmer Bitten by Sevengill Shark at Cooee Beach, Tasmania

On the evening of January 24, 2026, a swimming incident occurred at Cooee Beach, located west of Burnie in Tasmania's West Takone area. A female swimmer was in the water when she encountered a shark approximately 1.7 metres in length, later identified as a sharpnose sevengill shark. The swimmer initially observed what appeared to be seaweed approaching her in the water. Upon closer inspection at approximately 6:15 pm, she recognized the dark shape as a shark with its mouth open. In response to the threat, she raised her knee defensively and kicked at the animal to drive it away. The shark made contact with her right knee, delivering a bite that resulted in horseshoe-shaped puncture wounds characteristic in severity to a dog bite. She also sustained minor scrapes on her other leg and bruising in the affected area. Following the incident, she considered obtaining antibiotics as a precautionary measure against potential infection. At the time of the encounter, approximately 10 people were swimming in the water, with additional beachgoers present on the beach. A witness on shore initially mistook the shark for seaweed before observing its fin. Despite the swimmer's warning calls to others in the water, some people initially questioned her assessment of the situation. The swimmer described experiencing significant fear during the encounter and expressed concern about the potential for serious injury. She was able to exit the water independently and received medical attention for her wounds. The incident represents a rare shark encounter in Tasmanian waters and was documented by local media.