Sydney Beaches Close After First Fatal Shark Attack In 60 Years

Sydney: Some beaches in Sydney, including iconic bonds and Bronte, were closed on Thursday after a swimmer was killed in a shark attack, the first fatality on the coast of the city in almost 60 years.

Drum Lines, which are used to attract sharks, have been established near the attack site while drones have been deployed as officers looking for sharks still in the area.

An online video shared showed sharks that attacked someone on Wednesday afternoon at Little Bay Beach, about 20 km (12 miles) south of the largest city in Australia and near the entrance to Botany Bay. The police have not revealed the identity of the swimmer.

“This has become a total shock for our community,” Dylan Parker, the Mayor of the Randwick council which includes Little Bay, told Reuters. “Our coastline is our backyard and has a tragic death under a terrible situation as it is really surprising.”

The attack came a few days before Murray Rose Magic Ocean Swim, an annual charity event which is usually attended by thousands of swimmers on neighboring beaches. Organizers say they monitor the situation and if the event must be postponed it will be held on March 6.

Some crazy surfers are still out and take risks but most of us pay attention and stay out of the water until the shark goes. This is far more dangerous driving to be quite honest, “said the local resident of Karen Romalis told Reuters.