A woman in her 60s is in hospital after reportedly being bitten on the hip and thigh by a shark while swimming at Merimbula on the Far South Coast.
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Just after 6.45am on Saturday, NSW Ambulance responded to reports of a shark attack at Main Beach, Merimbula.
Upon arrival, paramedics treated a 63-year-old female for puncture wounds to the shoulder, back, hip and buttocks.
The patient was transported to South East Regional Hospital in a stable condition.
Department of Primary Industries experts are investigating and are yet to advise on the type and size of the shark involved.
"There was initially some uncertainty if it was a shark, (as) bystanders on-scene reported seeing fins and a large animal," Inspector Robert Whitney, NSW Ambulance said.
"It was pretty clear that it had been a shark attack as paramedics arrived on-scene.
"What we could see is that the patient suffered multiple wounds in what would have been a terrifying event.
"Paramedics did a fantastic job in treating the patient down at the beach before transporting to hospital."
As of Saturday morning, surf lifesavers were working with council to close beaches in the area for the next 24 hours, from Wallagoot Lake down to Pambula.
Surf Life Saving NSW drones launched on Saturday morning to conduct surveillance of the waters off Merimbula and will work with the DPI to monitor any marine activity.
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