BRASILIA A surfer swimming off the coast of Recife, the capital of Brazil's northeastern Pernambuco state, was killed Monday when a shark tore her left arm off, reports said. The woman who appeared to be about 20 had been surfing when the shark attacked, and was still alive when rushed to a nearby hospital, television network Rede Globo reported. Doctors were unable to save her, the network said.

It was the fourth shark attack this year along the beaches near Recife, which among Brazil's most beautiful are very popular among swimmers. (AFP)