A man was mauled to death at a beach near Sydney, Australia, authorities said on Saturday. Beaches in the area were closed and the drones were used to search for the marine predator.
Emergency crews were called to Long Reef Beach after reports that a man suffering from critical injuries were reached them not long after 10am local time (GMT+10) on Saturday, reports AP/UNB.
The victim, who is identity has not been disclosed, was in his 50’s. He was brought ashore by two fellow surfers after being rescued from the surf, but died at the scene. Two parts on a surfboard was recovered and was taken to be examined. Family members, visibly upset, hurried to the scene.
The beach was closed off by the police, who are cooperating with wildlife experts to investigate the species of the shark. A drone was deployed by Surf Life Saving NSW to monitor further shark activity in the vicinity.
Steve Pearce, the group’s chief executive, stated, “Our deepest condolences go to the family of the man involved in this terrible tragedy.” He also cautioned people to stay out of the water at nearby beaches.
This tragic incident is believed to be the first of its kind this year in the state of New South Wales.
The most recent any such incident occurred in Sydney was in February 2022, which also happened to the city’s first fatal shark attack since 1963, almost 60 years later.