Tributes have begun to flow for 15-year-old Mani Hart-Deville of Minnie Water following his tragic death from a shark attack at Wooli Beach, on Saturday afternoon.

A police media release reported that: “Witnesses have told police a shark attacked the teenager while he was surfing at Wilsons Headland at Wooli Beach, near Grafton, just before 2.30pm (Saturday 11 July 2020).

Several board-riders came to his assistance before the injured teen could be helped to shore.

First aid was rendered for serious injuries to his legs and despite CPR efforts to revive him, the 15-year-old died at the scene.”

Coffs Clarence Chief Inspector Jo Reid said that this is tragic event that has deeply affected the Wooli/Minnie Water community and indeed the entire Clarence Valley.

“The heroic actions of the other surfers in the water to not only risk their lives to fight off the shark but then bring the young boy to shore where they administered first aid for a long period, was incredible,” Chief Inspector Reid said.

“This was certainly a tough day for everyone involved.

“Our thoughts are with his family as we support them through the coronial process,” she said.

Clarence Valley Council posted a joint statement from Cr Jim Simmons and General Manager Ashley Lindsay regarding the tragic death of Mani Hart-Deville.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of this young man, Mani Hart-Deville.

Minnie Water is a small close-knit village and the communities of Minnie Water and Wooli will be hurting.

Those that came to Mani’s aid were local surfers who witnessed the attack and friends from the local community, with experienced lifesavers responding as well. We believe one was a life member of Yamba Surf Life Saving Club. Mani attended school at South Grafton High, so the impact of this tragic event will reach across the Clarence Valley. We will be doing all we can to support the community through the shock and grief.

The beach was not patrolled at this time of year, but it and all beaches in the Clarence Valley Council area from Iluka to Wooli have been closed and I understand attempts will be made, by the Surf Life Saving Service, to locate the shark over the coming days.

On behalf of council we wish to express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the community.”

Related article: www.clarencevalleynews.com.au/white-shark-confirmed-responsible-for-bite-following-death-of-surfer-at-wooli-beach