A Swiss tourist was killed and another seriously injured on Thursday in a shark attack on a beach near a popular surf spot on Australia's east coast, authorities said.

Emergency services were called on Thursday morning to Kylies Beach at Crowdy Bay near Port Macquarie, about 350 km (218 miles) north of Sydney, after reports two people were bitten by a shark , New South Wales state police said.

A woman, believed to be in her 20s and not formally identified yet, died at the scene. A man, also believed to be in his 20s, was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

The pair were known to each other, Police Chief Inspector Timothy Bayly told a news conference.

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed both were Swiss nationals.

"One Swiss national lost her life, and

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