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Maine shark attack: US woman killed by great white | Maine shark attack: US woman killed by great white |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A woman has been killed by a great white shark in a rare attack off the coast of Maine, US officials say. | A woman has been killed by a great white shark in a rare attack off the coast of Maine, US officials say. |
The woman was swimming near Bailey Island - close to the city of Portland - on Monday when she was attacked. | The woman was swimming near Bailey Island - close to the city of Portland - on Monday when she was attacked. |
The victim was named as Julie Holowach, 63, from New York. | The victim was named as Julie Holowach, 63, from New York. |
It is the first fatal shark attack on record in Maine - and only the second attack ever recorded there. Sharks are not common in the area due to the cooler waters. | It is the first fatal shark attack on record in Maine - and only the second attack ever recorded there. Sharks are not common in the area due to the cooler waters. |
Two kayakers helped Ms Holowach, who was said to have been wearing a wetsuit, get to shore after the attack. | Two kayakers helped Ms Holowach, who was said to have been wearing a wetsuit, get to shore after the attack. |
An ambulance was also on hand to help at the scene, but she was later pronounced dead. | An ambulance was also on hand to help at the scene, but she was later pronounced dead. |
A tooth fragment from the scene confirmed she had been attacked by a great white shark, a local official said. | A tooth fragment from the scene confirmed she had been attacked by a great white shark, a local official said. |
Such sharks can be found in local waters on the lookout for seals, which are common off the coast of Maine. | Such sharks can be found in local waters on the lookout for seals, which are common off the coast of Maine. |
Ms Holowach had retired early after a highly successful career as a fashion executive, the New York Post reported. | |
"She's one of the happiest, most energetic people with the greatest disposition and zest," long-time friend Karen Murray told the Post, adding that the victim had two children, a son and daughter. | |
"Julie ran marathons. She actually did triathlons. She was in great, great physical shape. She made her money, and she wanted to spend time with her family." | |
Sharks have been sighted in various places off the north-east US coast in recent weeks, particularly around Long Island in New York, the AFP news agency reports. | Sharks have been sighted in various places off the north-east US coast in recent weeks, particularly around Long Island in New York, the AFP news agency reports. |
There have also been previous sightings around Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where a surfer was killed by a great white in September 2018. | There have also been previous sightings around Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where a surfer was killed by a great white in September 2018. |