A TERRIFYING shark attack in which a surfer’s legs were bitten off was inadvertently beamed around the world on a live-streaming website.

Tadashi Nakahara’s Aussie surfing dream ended tragically yesterday morning at Ballina, on the NSW north coast.

He had been enjoying the waves when the 4m monster shark — believed to be a great white — struck, taking the 41-year-old’s legs and half his surfboard.

Police last night were reviewing two videos of the attack, captured — and streamed live — by the Coastalwatch website, which has cameras at many top surfing spots.

Mr Nakahara’s death was the second fatal shark attack on the coast in five months, and there have been five recent shark attack scares.

Detective Inspector Cameron Lindsay said four surfers came to Mr Nakahara’s aid; two helped drag him to shore and applied tourniquets, but failed to stop severe blood loss.

Police were working with the Japanese consulate to inform family and friends.

The father of one moved to Ballina two years ago, and had been working as a distributor for Webster Surfboards.

A friend said he was living his surfing dream in Australia: “He loved surfing. That was his work, that was his life. He was trying to learn everything he could about the industry.”

The friend said he had discussed shark attacks with Mr Nakahara only days ago.

“He said he wasn’t worried,” the friend said.

Fisherman Dave Woods, who has worked out of Ballina for 35 years, said fish stocks and a clampdown on commercial shark hunts had created perfect conditions for sharks: “It’s the most I’ve ever seen.”

Southern Cross University marine biologist Dr Danny Bucher said increased whale numbers attracted sharks. While humans were not the first choice for sharks, surfers, bodyboarders and deepwater swimmers were at risk of an often fatal exploratory bite.

Sea World director of marine sciences Trevor Long said people should not swim in deep water alone or in river mouths, or wear bright clothing that would attract sharks.

Beaches from Lennox Head to Ballina were to remain closed for 24 hours.

geoff.chambers@news.com.au