Sydney - An Australian schoolboy deserved commendation for bravery after going to the aid of his surfing partner despite the ocean turning red with blood after a shark attacked his 16-year-old chum, police said Monday.

The schoolboy managed to paddle out and get his friend to shore but his efforts to stanch the loss of blood proved to be in vain. The victim died before reaching hospital.

"Despite seeing (the shark) he's still gone to his friend, retrieved him, brought him back to the shore and attempted to revive him," Detective Inspector Steve Clark said. "It was an extreme act of bravery to re-enter the water."

Surf Life Saving spokesman Stephen Leahy said the attack at Ballina, on the east coast, was the first fatality in Australia in two years and the first in New South Wales in 15 years.

"It's simply a tragic accident, nothing more than that," he told national broadcaster ABC. (dpa)