Sydney beaches closed after fatal shark attack

Web Desk — Sydney’s iconic Bondi and Bronte beaches were closed on Thursday after a swimmer died from a shark attack, the city’s first death at its beaches in nearly 60 years.

Drum lines, which are used to lure sharks, have been set up near the attack site, and drones are being used to search for the shark.

A video shared online showed a shark attacking a person on Wednesday afternoon near Little Bay beach, about 20 km (12 miles) south of Australia’s largest city and near the entrance to Botany Bay. The identity of the swimmer has not yet been revealed by the police.

This has been a complete shock for our community,” Dylan Parker, the mayor of Randwick Council, which includes Little Bay, said to Reuters. “Our coastline is our backyard, and a tragic death under such horrifying circumstances is incredibly upsetting.”

An official with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries said its shark biologists believe the attack was likely perpetrated by a white shark of at least 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length. According to data, it was Sydney’s first shark attack since 1963.

The authorities have ordered people to stay away from the water as temperatures hovered around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

How To Avoid Shark-Attack – (Advice to Swimmers)

Even though the risk of a shark attack is very small, it is always a smart idea to minimize risks whenever possible. By following these tips, one can reduce the likelihood of encountering a shark:

Keep in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
Don’t stray too far from the shore – that will isolate you and place you far from help.
Sharks are most active during dark or twilight hours when they have a competitive sensory advantage.
Unless you are bleeding from an open wound, do not enter the water, and enter with caution if you are menstruating – sharks have an acute sense of smell.
It is not recommended to wear shiny jewelry because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.
Beware of waters with known effluents or sewage and those used by commercial or sport fishermen, especially if signs of baitfishes or feeding activity are present. Diving seabirds are a good sign.
Porpoises and sharks often consume the same food items, so their sightings do not necessarily indicate the absence of one or the other.
Avoid uneven tanning and bright clothing when the water is murky – sharks can see contrast very well.
Keep pets out of the water because of their erratic movements and avoid excessive splashing.
Do not occupy the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs – these are sharks’ favorite hangouts.
You should not enter the water if sharks are present and evacuate the water if sharks are seen. If you see a shark, do not harass it!
A proactive response is necessary if you are attacked by a shark. In most cases, hitting a shark on the nose, preferably with an inanimate object can prove effective. In the absence of this, repeated blows to the snout may offer a temporary reprieve, but the results are likely to get less effective over time. Our recommendation is to claw at the shark’s eyes and gill openings if it bites. As sharks respect size and power, you should not act passively if attacked.

Some Famous Shark-Attack Movies