Maine shark attack: American woman killed by great target

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, near the city of Portland, on Monday when she was attacked.

The victim was named as Julie Holowach, 63, of New York.

It is the first recorded fatal shark attack in Maine, and only the second recorded attack there. Sharks are not common in the area due to the colder waters.

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Two kayakers helped Ms. Holowach, who was said to be wearing a wetsuit, to reach the coast after the attack.

An ambulance was also available to assist on the scene, but was later pronounced dead.

A fragment of tooth from the scene confirmed that it had been attacked by a great white shark, a local official said.

Such sharks can be found in local waters looking for seals, which are common on the Maine coast.

Ms. Holowach retired early after a successful career as a fashion executive, the New York Post reported.

“She is one of the happiest and most energetic people with the greatest disposition and enthusiasm,” Karen Murray, a lifelong friend, told the Post, adding that the victim had two sons, a son and a daughter.

“Julie ran marathons. She really did triathlons. She was in great physical shape. She made money and wanted to spend time with her family.”

Sharks have been seen in various locations off the northeast coast of the United States in recent weeks, particularly around Long Island in New York, the AFP news agency reports.

There have also been previous sightings in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where a surfer was killed by a large target in September 2018.

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