Moment of horror: Shark attacked a woman swimming in Sydney Harbor

The shark seriously injured the woman's leg. This is the first such case in Harbor Sydney since February 2009. The victim was taken to the hospital.

- The incident occurred Monday evening, about 1.2 miles from Sydney Opera House - police said.

According to The Syndey Morning Herald, "The victim of a shark attack in Sydney Harbour has been identified as keen kayaker Lauren O’Neill." Lauren O’Neil, who had recently purchased a unit nearby, according to neighbors, was bitten on the leg by a shark while swimming near a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay. The woman was helped by local residents and a veterinarian living nearby, who gave her first aid.

- I came home from work and sat down on the couch. I heard a quiet cry for help just outside the window. Behind her was her leg, which was inert, completely open, and full of dark red blood. The whole situation was completely surreal, and frankly, I still haven't managed to imagine it all - Michael Porter, a nearby resident, told reporters.

In an interview with Australia's ABC shark scientist Amy Smoothey explained that "a bull shark was likely responsible for the attack." - Sharks "feed more actively" in low light at dawn and dusk, making it a potentially very risky time to swim - Smoothey added.

A spokesperson for St Vincent's Hospital stated that the woman is in a stable state in the intensive care unit.

Source: CBS News